Tribal Villagers in Odisha Risk Lives Daily Crossing River Without Bridge

The adults can be observed carrying children across the river, from one bank to the opposite side.

In Kadamaha village, located in Odisha's Kandhamal district, tribal villagers face daily life-threatening situations when crossing a river due to the absence of a bridge and adequate connectivity.

Videos reveal residents of this village, situated within the Baliguda block of Kandhamal district, wading through chest-deep waters of the Budha River. Their only support is a single rope that villagers grip while navigating the crossing.

The footage shows adults transporting children across the river by placing them inside metal vessels to move them from one side to the other.

Without a bridge spanning the river, approximately 100 families in the area lack access to essential healthcare and education. In these videos, school children wearing uniforms can be seen crossing the river, emerging completely soaked when they reach the opposite bank.

Community members stated they have been requesting the construction of a permanent bridge for many years. However, they claim that both the administration and local representatives have ignored their continuous appeals.

No formal statement has been provided by the local administration regarding this issue.