Chhatarpur (Madhya Pradesh): Residents of Harpai village in Ward No. 15 of Maharajpur Municipality continue to face serious difficulties during the monsoon due to the absence of a culvert over the Kumhed River.
With the river in spate, strong currents frequently disrupt movement between the village and surrounding areas.
Schoolchildren are among the worst affected, with some forced to wait on the riverbank until the water level falls. In some cases, villagers carry children across the river while others stand in the current to assist them.
A recent incident involving a student in a Lead India School, Maharajpur uniform waiting by the riverbank has once again highlighted the problem. Images of youths helping children cross the swollen river have also raised concerns over their safety.
Residents say they have repeatedly approached elected representatives and officials for a permanent solution, but the demand for a culvert remains unfulfilled.
They allege that promises made during elections have not translated into action. Villagers are now demanding immediate construction of a safe culvert, warning that continued reliance on the risky crossing could result in a major accident.
