Agartala: Residents of Dhan Chandra Para under Shibpur ADC Village in the Rishyamukh Assembly Constituency have expressed deep frustration over the absence of a bridge or culvert on the only road connecting their village, alleging years of official neglect despite repeated appeals to authorities.
Home to around 60 families, most of them belonging to the indigenous community, Dhan Chandra Para depends on this road for access to markets, schools, rubber plantations, agricultural fields, and essential services. However, the lack of a proper bridge over a stream has made daily commuting extremely difficult and hazardous.
According to villagers, they have been forced to construct a temporary bamboo bridge at their own expense using materials collected from nearby forests. At another crossing, where no bridge or culvert exists, residents have laid broken electric poles across the stream to facilitate movement.
The situation becomes particularly dangerous during the monsoon season, when swollen streams make crossings risky. Villagers claim that schoolchildren have suffered injuries, including fractured limbs, while attempting to cross the streams. Farmers also face significant challenges transporting agricultural produce to markets.
Residents alleged that they have repeatedly approached public representatives and government officials, including local leaders, ministers, the MDC of the 27 Purba Muhuripur-Bhuratali constituency, the Rishyamukh Mandal President, the local CPI(M) MLA, and the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Rishyamukh Block. Written representations have also been submitted on several occasions.
According to the villagers, several leaders and officials visited the site and assured them that the issue would be addressed. However, no concrete action has been taken so far, leading residents to describe the assurances as “empty promises.”
Villagers further stated that officials from the block administration conducted geo-tagging of the site but later informed them that the available block funds were insufficient for the construction of a bridge. They were reportedly advised that the sub-divisional administration could play a role in implementing the project.
Expressing their anger, residents warned that if a bridge or culvert is not constructed at the earliest and the road is not made suitable for safe transportation, they will be compelled to launch protests, including road blockades, to press for their demands.
The villagers have urged the authorities to take immediate steps to resolve the long-pending issue and ensure safe connectivity for the community.