Katihar System Failure: Villagers Carry Dead Body Across River Due To No Bridge

A deeply distressing incident has come to light from the Katihar district of Bihar, where the failure of administrative infrastructure has forced villagers to undertake a perilous journey with a deceased person. In Morsanda village, located within the Falka block, the absence of a bridge over the Kamala River led to a situation where family members and local residents had to carry a bier on their shoulders through the river water to reach the cremation ground. This incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, has raised serious questions about the development claims made by the authorities over the years.

The Tragic Incident in Morsanda Village

The incident involves the death of Arvind Mandal, a resident of Morsanda village. Following his demise, the family prepared for the final rites. However, the path to the local cremation ground was obstructed by the Kamala River. Due to the lack of a permanent bridge connecting the village to the other side where the cremation ground is situated, the mourners had no choice but to enter the water. The viral video shows a group of men carefully balancing the bier on their shoulders while wading through the river, highlighting the daily struggles faced by the community in the absence of basic connectivity.

Decades of Neglect and Lack of Basic Facilities

Local residents have expressed their deep frustration, stating that this isn't an isolated event but a recurring nightmare. Even decades after independence, the village continues to suffer from a severe lack of basic infrastructure. The Kamala River flows between the main residential area and essential services, including the cremation site. The absence of a bridge forces the large population living on both banks to either take a detour of several kilometers or risk their lives by crossing the river directly. The villagers allege that their pleas for a bridge have been ignored for a very long time, leaving them in a state of perpetual neglect.

Dangers of River Crossing and Temporary Measures

The situation becomes even more precarious during the monsoon season when the water level in the Kamala River rises Importantly. According to the villagers, the following issues persist:

• A private boat operates in the area, but it's often overcrowded, leading to a constant fear of accidents.

  Political Response and Future Promises

  Addressing the controversy, Kavita Paswan, the MLA from the Kodha assembly constituency, acknowledged the severity of the problem. She stated that she has previously raised the issue of constructing a bridge over the Kamala River in the state assembly. According to the MLA, the project has been delayed due to certain technical reasons at the district planning level. However, she assured the public that the construction of this crucial bridge would now be treated as a priority. Efforts will be made to resolve the technical hurdles and initiate the work as soon as possible to alleviate the suffering of the people of Morsanda and ensure such shameful incidents don't recur.