Bihar's Forgotten Villages: 77 Years of Waiting for a Bridge Over the "River of Helplessness"

For nearly four months every year, these villages are completely cut off from the rest of the state.

In Bihar, the ongoing assembly elections primarily focus on development, women and youth issues. However, in villages approximately 150 kilometers from Gaya, development remains an elusive dream, particularly for women who constitute a significant portion of the electorate.

For 77 years spanning multiple generations, over 8,000 residents of Pathra, Herhanj and Kewaldih villages have been awaiting the fulfillment of a single demand - the construction of a bridge over the Mhorhar river, which they refer to as the "river of helplessness."

"We will not vote until the bridge is constructed. Pul nahi to vote nah," declared one female voter emphatically.

"Our community has endured this hardship for 77 years. Politicians make appearances but never fulfill their promises. During monsoon season, the river water rises significantly, sometimes reaching shoulder height. For us, development simply means building this bridge," she elaborated.

For approximately four months annually, these villages become entirely isolated from the state and the outside world. Villagers must wade through chest-deep water, making it challenging to access local markets for essential supplies. Children cannot attend school, farmers cannot sell their produce, and those requiring medical attention cannot reach hospitals.

"Only we truly comprehend the extent of difficulties we face in such circumstances. We are literally disconnected from civilization for four months every year," explained one villager.

Women are crucial to the electoral process, yet in their own communities, they remain disconnected from basic healthcare services. For Sunil Vishwakarma from Pathra village, the bridge could have meant survival. Tragically, he passed away on the riverbank while waiting for assistance that never arrived.

"He couldn't be transported to a hospital because of the river. No ambulance was available, and we had to arrange a private vehicle from the opposite bank of the river, but he died before reaching medical care," Vishwakarma's mother recounted.

Pregnant women frequently die en route to hospitals, located 39 kilometers away beyond the river crossing.

"We have raised numerous complaints. During monsoon season, we lose at least two lives annually. With forests and the river surrounding us on nearly all sides, survival under these conditions is extremely challenging," another resident explained.

Amidst an election season filled with promises and manifestos, these villagers have just one request - the construction of a bridge essential for their survival.

Voting in Bihar is scheduled in two phases - the first phase occurred on November 6, with the second phase set for November 11. Election results will be announced on November 14.