Boko, Nov 6: Kishore Rabha, a resident of Tilamara in Kamrup district, is left bemused when he encounters advertisements for initiatives like Digital India and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. While these programs promote advancements in digital connectivity and cleanliness, Rabha struggles to see their impact on the ground, where even basic connectivity remains out of reach.

Rabha, a resident of Tilapara, voiced his frustration over the lack of a permanent bridge, which has forced villagers to endure difficult travel conditions. “For daily necessities, medical emergencies, and education, we must cross the river to reach Hahim or Boko.”

“During the rainy season, it’s nearly impossible,” he said adding that over 300 students have to travel to Hahim or Boko for school, and this bridge will be a relief.

With the government remaining silent spectator, villagers from several communities have come together to construct a makeshift bamboo bridge over the Singra River in Hahim, along the Assam-Meghalaya border under the Boko Legislative Assembly Constituency (LAC) in Kamrup district.

Prasanta Rabha from Hahim shared that the bamboo bridge took five days to complete, with contributions from villagers of Jugdoba, Golapara, and Tilapara. The bridge was opened to the public on Tuesday, just in time for the weekly market in Hahim. This temporary structure provides villagers and students a way to reach markets, schools, colleges, and hospitals. Stretching about 200 meters, it stands at 2 No. Samuka Revenue Village.

The villagers collectively donated over 500 bamboo poles and volunteered their labour to build the bridge. Before the 2014 floods, a wooden bridge had provided a more permanent route for residents travelling to Hahim, but it was destroyed by the floods. Bishawy Rabha of Tilapara noted that the new bamboo bridge reduces the travel distance to Hahim by around 5 kilometres, saving time and reducing transportation costs.

Though they have taken the initiative into their own hands, the villagers expressed disappointment with the government, pointing out that promises of development by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma have yet to reach their communities.

“It’s disheartening to see government advertisements for Digital India and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, yet we struggle to commute despite living close to Assam’s capital,” said Kishore Rabha. He appealed to the government to construct an RCC bridge soon, noting the bamboo bridge is only a temporary solution and is likely to be swept away within a few months.

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