From Biplab Kr Dey
MANGSANG (EGH), July 17: The five districts of Garo Hills have, by and large, remained prone to infrastructure challenges that push residents’ lives to the extreme. Reports have frequently emerged of areas remaining cut off from access, whether it be Adokgre in North Garo Hills, Nengkhra Agalgre in East Garo Hills or Mindikgre in South Garo Hills.
This week, we visited a few villages near Mangsang whose residents are left stranded during the monsoon as they have no bridge to cross a river which, when it swells during heavy rains, leaves little chance for people or animals to cross.
Background
The village of Mangsang, known for its variety of rice, lies about 16 km from Rongjeng and about 60 km from the district headquarters of Williamnagar. Many parts of the area lie close to West Khasi Hills district and remain remote. Until a few years ago, the road connecting the village was in a terrible condition, though travel has now become easier, at least up to Mangsang and a little beyond.
Following concerns raised by the local unit of the Garo Students’ Union (GSU) about at least five villages (four in East Garo Hills and one in North Garo Hills) remaining cut off during heavy rains, a visit was made to Nongbak Rengkil village, about 2 km from Mangsang.
The five villages have a combined population of more than 1,200 and are connected by a kutcha road that remains inaccessible even to four-wheel-drive vehicles during the monsoon. Even during the dry season, only four-wheel-drive vehicles and motorcycles can make the journey through the villages and beyond.
The other four villages are Gindil, Nongbak Ading, Badilpa (NGH) and Chibra (NGH). These five villages remain cut off by the Rengkil River, which flows through the area.
The visit revealed a small RCC bridge over the river near the entrance to Rengkil, but it connects to a different route.
The current situation
According to reports, the road connecting these five villages to Mangsang has never been developed and remains a kutcha road. It stretches for nearly 8 km through the five villages. The area has a population of over 1,200 but only two government lower-primary schools. There are no facilities for middle or higher education.
“Most of the villagers depend on agriculture and plantations to survive. However, the lack of a bridge had hampered economic activities, especially during the monsoon or when the river is overflowing. The small river banks and strong currents make it extremely hazardous for life and we do not risk crossing through during these times,” informed a villager.
The education of children has been affected due to the absence of a bridge as they are forced to miss classes and examinations whenever the river floods.
During the visit, despite the river not being in spate, women and children crossing it were pulled by the current, with one mother holding tightly to her child’s hand to ensure a safe crossing. Villagers said the river, which measured only about 10 metres across during the visit, triples in width during the monsoon and can expand to nearly 30 metres, with a depth of more than 3 metres. Its narrow banks cause the water to flow rapidly, making it potentially fatal.
“The problem is that our children who want more than primary education have to walk over 5 km to the river and then beyond to get an education. That makes it extremely difficult for them to ensure they keep up with routines. Further, even trading becomes a hassle as the road is not suitable for even 4WD vehicles. We are at the end of our tether in matters that are most important to us,” added another villager.
Travelling to Mangsang or elsewhere for medical emergencies remains nearly impossible for residents of these five villages—a reality they have grown accustomed to.
Interventions, anyone?
The local GSU unit said it has long been aware of the situation and has been actively trying to find a solution. However, despite its efforts, nothing has changed.
“We approached the local MLA (Rongjeng’s Jim Sangma) and besides the local MDC lives just close by. He is aware of what the people face but every time we approach, there are no promises made. The matter has even been brought to the chief minister but to no avail. One of us (residents) even created a project report for the bridge but it was not even considered,” stated GSU Mangsang president Barnawell Sangma.
The GSU added that, to understand the villagers’ plight, its members even attempted to travel along the road during the dry season only to find the journey far more difficult than they had imagined.
“To think that residents of the state, even in this stage of modernisation, can actually be faced with such problems in their daily lives, is unimaginable. They are a part of us and need the state to come forward to own them. A basic road is not a luxury but a necessity. With many people, including students being impacted this way, maybe it is time for those in authority to think out of the box,” felt Sangma.
The villagers themselves have also repeatedly approached the government and other authorities, but despite their efforts, nothing has materialised.
