DIVERSION AGAIN SUBMERGED

DIVERSION AGAIN SUBMERGED

7-AUG-ENG 7

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------The Shahpur-Banahi Station Road in Bhojpur district is once again on the verge of closure due to the rising water level of the Cher River. This road, which connects three major national highways—NH-922, NH-84, and NH-30—is considered the economic and social lifeline of the region. However, the route currently appears helpless against the surging waters of the Cher River. The mounting water pressure on the temporary diversion constructed near Rudranagar village has not only created a hazard for traffic but has also completely disrupted the daily lives of local residents.

The situation worsened on Thursday when the rising river level caused about two feet of water to flow over the diversion. This swift current is dangerous not only for vehicles but could also prove fatal for pedestrians. Currently, the movement of all vehicles—from tempos to larger ones—has come to a complete halt. The most alarming aspect is that schoolchildren are forced to risk their lives crossing this waterlogged road to continue their education. If the river's water level continues to rise at this rate, it is feared that even pedestrian movement will be completely cut off by evening.

Local villagers state that this is not the first time the road has become impassable. Merely Just a week ago, the raging waters of the Cher River had completely washed away this same diversion. At that time, a temporary route was restored through the combined efforts of locals and the Rural Works Department, involving the arduous task of laying down multiple trolley-loads of brickbats, rubble, and Hume pipes. It is worth noting that traffic remained disrupted for nearly 12 days during that period, causing significant financial loss and inconvenience to thousands of local residents. Now, the fear that history might repeat itself is haunting the people of the area.

The importance of this route lies in the fact that it connects Shahpur to major national highways via the Banahi railway station. The disruption of this link road affects not only transportation but also makes it difficult for local farmers to carry out agricultural work, for patients to reach hospitals on time, and for students to attend school. Alert villagers like Krishnakant Singh and Munna Tiwari have pointed out that traversing this road now is akin to inviting grave danger. Temporary measures are repeatedly failing, raising questions about the administration's approach.

A large section of local residents is now demanding a permanent solution from the administration. Constructing a sturdy and permanent pontoon bridge—instead of relying on diversions made of soil and bricks that get washed away repeatedly—is the only long-term remedy for this problem. The villagers argue that a pontoon bridge arrangement should be ensured until a permanent bridge is built.

Currently, the rising flow of the Cher River and the immense pressure on the diversion are matters of serious concern. Given the rapid rise in the river's water level, there is a growing apprehension that the route could be completely cut off within the next few hours.