FAST CURRENT OF THE CHHER RIVER END POSSIBILITIY OF DIVERSION

FAST CURRENT OF THE CHHER RIVER END POSSIBILITIY OF DIVERSION

24-JULY-ENG 12

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------The raging Cher River in Bhojpur district has emerged as a major disaster for the residents of Shahpur and Bihiya blocks. Heavy rains have caused the river's water level to rise to such an extent that the diversion for the bridge under construction near Rudranagar village on the Shahpur-Banahi road is completely submerged. Even the layers of brickbats and boulders laid by the Rural Works Department could not withstand the river's fierce current, severing the direct link between the block headquarters and over two dozen villages with a combined population of approximately 25,000. Currently, water is flowing about 15 feet above the diversion, making any form of movement impossible.

The complete disruption of this connecting route has deeply impacted daily life. A journey that previously covered only two kilometers now requires locals to travel a circuitous route of about 20 kilometers via Bihiya. This additional distance has placed an immense financial and physical burden on daily commuters, farmers, traders, and the working class. The situation is most concerning for patients and school students; timely ambulance access has become extremely difficult, creating a serious crisis for healthcare services, while the closure of the route has also disrupted the education of school children.

Local residents are deeply aggrieved by the situation. Villagers allege that the current crisis is the result of the contractor's arbitrary actions. According to them, they had previously suggested constructing the new bridge alongside the old one without demolishing the existing structure; however, workers allegedly demolished the old structure, driven by the lure of salvaging iron girders and other valuable construction materials.

It is worth noting that this bridge was known as the 'Lakadiya Pul'. The bridge was originally constructed using sturdy iron girders and wooden sleepers (planks). This durable structure was a fine example of engineering. Later, the wooden sleepers were removed, and the deck was replaced with a concrete slab. People believe that had the right technical decisions been made, they would not be facing such a dire situation today.

Meanwhile, the continuous rise in the river's water level has caused flooding in the low-lying areas of Rudranagar and Gaudadh, extending up to the local missionary school. The administration is keeping a close watch on the situation. The Executive Engineer of the Rural Works Department has clarified that repair work is not technically feasible until the water level recedes. According to him, departmental officials and engineers are camping at the site and constantly reviewing the situation.

The swelling of the Cher River is not a new phenomenon; floodwaters often spread from the Rudranagar turn to the Mission School. Local residents had previously apprised the contractor of this situation and advised against tampering with the robust infrastructure along the road between the Rudranagar turn and the Mission School. However, due to the contractor's arbitrary actions, the stability of the road itself—not just the bridge's diversion—has now become a major challenge.

All eyes are now fixed on the river's water level. Until the water recedes, villagers will have to continue grappling with these daily hardships. The administration's promptness and the pace of repair work will determine when the troubles faced by approximately 25,000 people in the area will finally come to an end.