ALLAHABAD: Fed up of false assurances from
district authorities and public representatives, residents of more than three dozen villages from
Koraon tehsil of the district have joined hands to construct a
bridge on Belan river on their own to finally end their connectivity woes.
The villagers held a meeting in February this year, and then decided to construct a 357 metre ‘rapata marg’ (bridge) on Belan river on their own by pooling funds and ‘shram daan’.
“The construction of rapata marg (bridge) was started on February 14, 2018 and will get finished within a year, We have already laid the foundation of the bridge from both sides,” said head of Beri village,
Anand Prakash Shukla.
“The rapata marg would help people of villages on both the sides and they will not have to travel 40 km distance unnecessarily,” said Shukla who initiated the idea.
“We had been demanding construction of the bridge since 2012, but were always given false promises. In 2013-14, the local administration even drafted a proposal to construct the rapata marg at a cost of Rs seven crore but nothing happened,” he added.
In February, the heads of more than three dozen villages joined hands and decided to construct 357 metre-long and 10 feet wide rapata marg by pooling funds and shram daan.
“After filling the foundation from both sides, we have constructed 200-metre wall and have spent around Rs 5 lakh locals donating money from Rs 10 to Rs 500 and even cement sacks. People from Beri, Pandeypur, Kidwar, Braula, Jawabpatti, Durhai villages are also contributing funds now. We need Rs 35 lakh to complete the project,” he said.
Ramdhani, head of Kedwar village, said, “The rapata would also help in collection of water as it has been designed for dual advantages of connectivity and water collection.”
“We are using big stones, hume pipes, and construction material. Villagers are working two to three hours daily,” said Chiraunji Lal, a villager.
When contacted, Allahabad DM Suhas LY said, “I have deputed a team of officials to inquire into the issue and submit their report at the earliest. The local administration would assure all assistance to the villagers once the report comes.”
