Jharkhand Village’s Cry for a Bridge: Monsoon Brings Isolation and Protest

The residents of Lagora village in the Bandgaon block of West Singhbhum, Jharkhand, are enduring severe hardship due to the absence of a bridge over the Lagora River, particularly during the monsoon season. A gram sabha meeting was organized under the guidance of social worker Lakshuram Mundri to address the pressing issues faced by the villagers. The primary concern was the unfulfilled promises made by political leaders during past elections regarding the construction of a much-needed bridge. The lack of this infrastructure has been impacting the lives of approximately 900 people in the villages of Chatma, Lagora, and Maddih for a decade. During the monsoon, the area becomes virtually inaccessible, severely affecting essential services such as healthcare for pregnant women and education for children. The villagers have collectively resolved to boycott the district administration and restrict access to their village if the bridge isn’t constructed by December 2025. Lakshuram Mundri emphasized the challenging conditions faced by the villagers during the rainy season, including the difficulties in reaching hospitals and schools due to the absence of a bridge and the poor state of the roads. Despite persistent appeals to elected officials and representatives, no action has been taken. The villagers have vowed to boycott all government initiatives and bar any leaders, activists, or administrative personnel from entering Lagora during election periods if their grievances are not addressed. Notable attendees at the meeting included Sikandar Mundri, Mohan Mundri, Gones Mundri, Gopal Mundri, Naman Mundri, and many other residents.