Children Walk Dangerous Log Bridges to Reach Schools in Shopian, Locals Seek Immediate Action

Shopian, April 21, KNT: Dozens of tribal villages in Shopian district remain cut off from basic connectivity, forcing locals to risk their lives daily by crossing the Rambiara stream on unsafe wooden logs to reach the main town.

The absence of a proper bridge or culvert has turned a routine commute into a hazardous task, with men, women, and elderly residents navigating narrow, unstable planks from morning till evening.

The situation is particularly concerning for school-going children, who are compelled to use these makeshift crossings every day to access education. Carrying school bags, the children walk across slippery wooden logs without railings or support, exposing them to the risk of falling into the river.

Villagers say even a minor slip could prove fatal, especially during peak hours when multiple people attempt to cross simultaneously.

Parents have expressed constant fear over the safety of their children, stating that the lack of basic infrastructure has left them with no alternative but to allow them to take the risk.

During the rainy season, the situation worsens significantly as water levels rise and the wooden logs become slippery or get displaced, increasing the chances of accidents.

Locals describe the issue not merely as an inconvenience but as a potential disaster waiting to happen, warning that continued inaction could lead to loss of lives.

Despite repeated appeals to authorities, residents said no permanent solution has been implemented so far.

They have urged the concerned departments to install pipes or construct a proper bridge at key crossing points to ensure safe and reliable connectivity.

The route serves as a crucial link for these villages, connecting them to essential services including education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities.

Villagers say that resolving the issue would not only improve accessibility but also restore a sense of safety and dignity to their daily lives.

With growing concern among the local population, calls for immediate intervention are intensifying, as villagers seek accountability and a permanent solution before a preventable tragedy occurs. [KNT]