Mumbai, September 6: In Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh, school children are risking their lives daily while crossing the Kodar Dam to reach school. A viral video shows students returning from Lohardi School to Kodar Basti, navigating through high water levels due to recent heavy rains. This perilous route is their only option, forcing them to traverse dangerous paths and water bodies to attend school.
Local administration and government negligence have left the safety of these children in jeopardy. Residents and social media users have expressed concerns that this negligence could lead to a major accident at any time.
In a similar incident, a video from Vidisha district in Madhya Pradesh has gone viral, showing children crossing a stop dam over a raging river. The footage reveals students struggling with their school bags as they navigate narrow pillars and leap over gaps to get to school.
These children have been using this risky route 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. Vidisha’s SDM, Kshitij Sharma, announced that bicycles will be provided for safer travel, and a proposal for a temporary bridge has been submitted. Additionally, plans are being considered to open a new school near affected villages to prevent children from crossing the river.
Concerns have been raised nationwide regarding the safety of these children. Many have questioned why action was not taken sooner, given that students have been using these dangerous routes for years.
In another alarming case from Sagar district in Madhya Pradesh, students from the village of Berkhadi Kala are compelled to cross the swollen Kopra River to reach school. The bridge over the river has collapsed, forcing students to hold hands and rely on villagers for support as they navigate the treacherous waters.
Due to the lack of repairs, even a slight rain causes the river to swell, forcing students to wade through knee-deep water, often damaging their uniforms. The slippery conditions pose a constant risk of accidents, with many children arriving late to school and falling ill from exposure to the elements.
Local residents have long demanded a bridge or safe passage, highlighting the ongoing risks to both education and safety for these children during the monsoon season.