Andhra Pradesh: With two sick kids, tribals cross overflowing Nagavali in bamboo boat

Parvathipuram Manyam: In yet another incident, a video of villagers from a tribal area carrying two children in a makeshift boat crossing the swollen Nagavali River to reach a nearby PHC, has gone viral on social media.

Due to the Purnapadu-Labesu bridge remaining under construction for many years, a boat across the river is the only mode of transport for the villagers. This makes travel risky for them, especially while crossing for medical services during the monsoon season.

Two children, K Mariyamma (6) and KG Rahul (4) of Rebba village under Chollapadam panchayat of Komarada mandal in Parvathipuram Manyam district, fell sick. They needed immediate treatment at the nearest primary health care centre on the other side of Nagavali.

The Nagavali has been in spate due to heavy rains in the catchment areas for the past few days. However, with no option, the villagers had to risk their lives and crossed the river with much difficulty to reach PHC at K Ramabhadrapuram for the children’s treatment.

Incomplete bridge, fake promises

According to the villagers, there is no road connectivity as the Purnapadu-Labesu bridge has been left incomplete for a long time. During the monsoons, the villagers lose connectivity from the main area. This forces them to take risky transport during emergencies.

“We have seen many officials make promises. But there has been no development so far. It is only during election time that they visit the village asking for votes. After that, no one cares to address our grievances,” said a villager.

Bridge construction started in 2006

This year too, the construction of the Purnapadu-Labesu bridge was delayed. The bridge was supposed to connect over 40 villages to Komarada mandal headquarters way back in 2006 but the work has been stalled ever since. Three more pillars and some concrete works were pending to complete the bridge.

“The Purnapadu-Labesu bridge remained incomplete for years due to various reasons. Going to schools, hospitals and nearby markets during the rainy season has become difficult for many in the Komarada mandal,” said K Gasi, a native of Rebba village.

The YSRC government has claimed to have sanctioned Rs 14 crore for the bridge in December 2022, and a GO was issued in September 2021. However, the contractor refused to work as the government has not cleared the previous bills.

Protests brought no change

Earlier, there were many protests by the leaders and activists of various tribal organisations demanding the completion of the Purnapadu-Labesu bridge. In recent times, even the district officials have made a promise to complete the bridge works. But so far, no work has started.