Vidisha, August 5: In Madhya Pradesh’s Vidisha district, children from Paloh village face a daunting challenge every day as they make their way to school. A video showing these students crossing a stop dam over a swiftly flowing river has gone viral on social media, highlighting the dangers they encounter.
The footage reveals children navigating the narrow pillars of the stop dam, leaping across gaps while clutching their school bags. This perilous route has been their only option for the past five years, as taking the road would require them to travel an additional 8 to 10 kilometers.
Following the video’s circulation, local authorities have taken notice. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kshitij Sharma announced that bicycles will be provided to ensure safer travel for the students. Additionally, a proposal for a temporary bridge over the river has been submitted, and discussions are underway to establish a new school closer to the affected villages to eliminate the need for such dangerous crossings.
The public’s response has been one of concern, with many questioning why action was not taken sooner. The safety of these children has sparked widespread outrage, prompting calls for immediate improvements to their daily commute.
In a related incident, students from Barakhedi Kala village in Sagar district are also forced to cross a swollen river to reach school, as the bridge there has collapsed. Without any safety measures in place, they rely on each other and local villagers to navigate the treacherous waters, often arriving late and falling ill from exposure.
Local residents have long demanded a safe passage for their children, emphasizing the need for urgent government intervention to prevent accidents and ensure uninterrupted education.