Three Decades of Neglect: Jonai Villagers Still Build Bamboo Bridges for Connectivity

Governments have changed, Elected representatives have changed, and years have passed, but the plight of villagers in more than five villages under Ramdhan Dikhari Gaon Panchayat in Jonai Assembly constituency remains unchanged.

With no proper road connectivity and no permanent bridges, hundreds of villagers continue to struggle for basic transportation facilities. During the monsoon, the situation becomes even worse as floodwaters and strong currents frequently disrupt communication with the outside world.

For nearly three decades, villagers have been building bamboo bridges on their own to keep their communities connected. Residents reportedly contribute around ₹500 per household and use their own labour to construct temporary bamboo bridges every year. But these temporary structures rarely survive the monsoon. Strong currents and floodwaters repeatedly wash away the bamboo bridges, forcing villagers to rebuild them year after year.

Residents say they have approached the government and local representatives on several occasions, seeking proper roads and permanent bridges. However, they allege that their demands have not yet resulted in a permanent solution.

The Bodo-Kachari Welfare Autonomous Council has provided financial assistance to the area from time to time, residents said. However, they maintain that such assistance is not enough to address the long-standing road and bridge connectivity problem.

The situation becomes particularly difficult during floods. With roads becoming unusable, boats turn into the only mode of transportation for the villagers. Patients needing urgent medical attention and students travelling to school are among those who bear the brunt of the poor connectivity. For the villagers, the issue is not merely about convenience. The absence of permanent roads and bridges affects access to healthcare, education and other essential services.

Residents have once again urged the government and elected representatives to take immediate steps towards constructing permanent roads and bridges in the area. They have also sought emergency transportation arrangements during the monsoon and flood season so that patients, students and other residents are not left stranded.