Residents of Uttar Pradesh’s Kushinagar district have no one but the name of god on their lips while crossing a river that passes through the region. Bansi, as it is known, has suddenly turned into a monster. Last year alone, the river had claimed more than a dozen lives. Those residing in villages dotting the river now fear that they too might meet the same fate.
But even death seems a far-fetched possibility, as more often than not, boats remain out of bound for villagers. Residents of one such village, Basgaon, have to cross the river to access basic necessities like education as well as food suppliers. The entire village is now dependent on boats- a means of transport that becomes redundant during monsoons.
Every election season, politicians come in with promises of building a bridge across Bansi. But each and every one of them end up breaking their promise. Tired and frustrated, villagers of Basgaon have now resolved to boycott politicians till the gap between the two banks is bridged. So far, Kushinagar, much like the vast swathes of Uttar Pradesh has not been on any politician’s agenda. But with state Assembly polls around the corner, will there be an end to the woes of these distressed villagers?
Video Editor: Purnendu Pritam
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