Chindraichhara rivulet at West Haoibari Panchayat in Teliamura is flowing down around 50 meters away from Assam-Agartala NH. There is a hamlet, named Bangali Colony, on the other side of the rivulet. The main occupation of the hamlet inhabitants is cultivation of scented lemon. With market for scented lemon is booming, the inhabitants are also hoping to cash in the opportunity. However, dependent on a makeshift bamboo bridge over the Chindraichhara rivulet, villagers are facing troubles in accessing markets properly for last 25 years.
“There are around 30 families living in Bangali Colony. We have to cross the Chindraichhara rivulet to access the markets. Pity that for more than two decades, there is no permanent structure like a Box Culvert over the rivulet facilitating a safe and smooth journey to markets from our hemlets”, commented one lemon cultivator and added, we are dependent on a precariously hanging makeshift bamboo bridge.
According to villagers, elderly lemon growers are facing serious troubles as they have to shoulder the weight of their lemons and cross the bamboo bridge maintaining a balance. Besides children of the hamlet also face trouble, especially when the rivulet is in spate in rainy seasons.
Villagers also alleged, “We ran from pillar to post for a culvert during last 25 years and we got promises and assurances from politicians of ruling parties. Whether it was the Left regime or incumbent BJP-led government, promises and assurances are yet to be fulfilled”.
Local lemon cultivators said, they are facing troubles in carrying lemons from the fields to markets due to lack of a culvert.
“We are optimistic. The incumbent government is focusing on agri-and allied sector activities. We are hopeful that the government will live up to the expectation of local people and construct a culvert”, villagers commented.