A passenger Tata Sumo on July 25 waits for the water to recede in order to cross the Duinaki River, which has risen to a dangerous level due to the monsoon rains.
Morung Express News
Peren | July 25
The absence of bridges over Duinaki and Ntangki rivers, which leads to around 17 villages under Athibung sub-division in Peren district, has turned the monsoon season into a recurring nightmare for the inhabitants.
These rivers, which are essentially the road to these villages, become impassable with the onset of monsoon isolating the communities completely. This road from Athibung via Bongkolong till Khelma at one end and Zero Point on the other is the only lifeline road for these villages.
The situation is both a wonder and a tragedy, highlighting the dire lack of infrastructure in the region. Despite repeated appeals to the state government, no action has been taken to construct bridges over these critical waterways, resident from villages in the region maintained.
Two foot bridges were recently inaugurated over the two rivers. But it accommodates only pedestrian crossing, and is therefore insufficient for vehicular traffic necessary for transporting essential supplies and during emergencies.
On Thursday, a passenger Tata Sumo from Khelma village cancelled its journey to Jalukie because recent torrential rains had caused the rivers to swell, making travel impossible. Another passenger Sumo coming from Jalukie town towards Ikeisingram village waited for hours on the bank of Duinaki River for the rising water level to subside before it could continue its journey.
Such circumstances occur on a daily basis during monsoon that the villagers live in constant apprehension of not being able to access medical care, transport goods or receive timely assistance during emergencies.
“We have been crying out for help for years, but nothing has changed. Every monsoon, we face the same problem,” lamented Rangnim, Head GB of Ikesingram village. In 2019 and 2020, three vehicles were washed away while attempting to cross the swollen rivers. Fortunately, there were no casualties in these incidents, he recounted. Highlighting the severity of the issue, he also said several near-tragic incidents have occurred in the past as a consequence.
Appeals fall on deaf ears
“The villagers have approached every possible avenue for help- the state government, the PWD department and even the contractors to construct bridges over these rivers but it has all fallen on deaf ears,” he stated.
“Every year during monsoon, we face this issue. It’s as if our voices don’t matter,” stated Lamnei, President of Kebai Khelma Public Organisation (Zeliang Kuki). The inability to transport goods, access medical care or receive emergency services during the monsoon season exacerbates the already challenging condition of our rural community here,” Lamnei, who is from New Ngaulong village, pointed out.
He also said they have lost count on the number of times, the villages in the area had written to the concerned department and the state government for construction of the bridges and maintenance of the road, which is in a deplorable condition.
Khelma Village Council Chairman, Neithanglien Saith said there have been times when vehicles transporting the sick had to return back because the river had become impassable due to the rising river current. “We even had to carry the sick on the shoulders and ferry to the other side through the suspension bridge for medical treatment,” Saith added.
The Chairman also noted that during elections, the candidates would come and assure to construct the bridges but once the election is over, there is no news.
Also highlighting on how students from the villages are also bearing the brunt, he said many student pursue studies in Athibung, Jalukie, and beyond and it becomes difficult to send provisions from the village when the river becomes impassable.
“This year, we have around 40 students from Khelma studying outside. We, at times struggle to transport food and other provisions like firewood to them on time. This affects their studies and well being and worry the parents to no ends since the children have nowhere else to turn to,” he highlighted.
“Even during holidays, the students cannot reach home on time and are stuck midway for days due to the rising water level on these rivers,” he added. Khelma village, which lies around 85 kilometers from Jalukie town, is one of the last villages in the region and borders Assam.
The Chairman said the villages affected include Khelma, Sailiem, Nkio, Ikeisingram, Nsanlo, Beisumlo, Nkio B, Old Soget, New Soget, Beisumpui Yangli, Beisumpuilo, New Ngaulong, Old Ngaulong, Songlhuh, Mongbong, Nkiolodi, Gopibung.
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