Maoists' threat delays bridge construction in Latehar

Latehar, July 20 (ANI): The delay in the construction of bridges over two major rivers connecting some villages in the Maoist-dominated region of Jharkhand's Latehar District has increased the villagers' distress, particularly during floods in monsoon.

The villagers of Garu Prakhand complained of facing problems while crossing flooded rivers to reach the District Court.

"We face trouble in crossing the river as the floods increase the water level... if we have to attend any court (District Court's) hearing, then we face a lot of problems," said Ram Singh, a villager.

The villagers have to swim the river or cross the river by carrying luggage on their heads or shoulders.

Local media reported that the tender for bridge construction was issued couple of years ago but due to continuous threats of stalling the construction work by Maoist rebels, the construction work has been delayed.

A local reporter said that bridges over two major rivers flowing in the region would reduce the distance between the villagers manifold.

"Two rivers flowing before Garu (village), one is Koyal and another is Chauphat. The provincial government has a very old plan to make bridge over both the rivers and its tender was also passed. Some work was also done in this regard but due to some unavoidable reasons, the construction work was stopped. If a bridge will be made over both the rivers, then the distance between Garu, Mahuadar and Netarhaat will reduce manifold," said Sunil Kumar, a local reporter.

Some villagers said that Maoist threat is the main cause of delay in the bridge construction and complained that Maoist activities such as killings and abductions have increased considerably in the area during the initial stage of the construction work.

"The main reason for delay in the bridge construction is Maoism. The area is Maoist affected who stop any development work in the region," said Manglu Ram, Village Council Head, Garu Prakhand.

Meanwhile, denying 'rumours' of Maoist threat causing delay in construction, Rai Kishore Prasad, Block Development Officer (BDO) said the efforts are going on and soon the construction work will start.

"We are continuously working towards the development of bridges. We are trying hard to construct a bridge over the rivers, to reduce the distance from district court to the villages of this region," said Prasad. (ANI)