School students from Chhintala Blavg village in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, are forced to cross the rising waters of a hydel project dam using an old-fashioned swing (jhula) every day to reach school, as traditional routes have been submerged. The decades-old swing is in poor condition and poses a significant risk, especially for children, raising serious safety concerns.
Daily Ordeal for Students and Residents
Residents of Chhintala Blavg village, under Gram Panchayat Bindla in Kasog tehsil, say that transporting children across the dam has become a daily challenge. Bodh Raj, a village resident, recently highlighted the issue by sharing a video on social media, describing the situation as a matter of grave concern. He stated that every trip across the swing is risky for the children. Villagers have repeatedly appealed to the concerned minister and the local MLA to replace or upgrade the swing with a safer alternative, but no concrete action has been taken so far.
Hydel Project Submerges Traditional Routes
According to residents, the problem arose after the construction of a hydel power project, which led to the submergence of traditional access routes due to the rise in dam water levels. The village now lacks proper bridge or road connectivity, compelling children to rely on the dilapidated swing for their daily commute. The situation has been ongoing, with no immediate solution in sight.
Demand for Safe Crossing Facility
Residents have urged the Himachal Pradesh Government to take immediate notice of the issue and provide a safe and permanent transportation facility, such as a bridge or a modern crossing system, to ensure the safety of schoolchildren and other residents who use the route for daily travel. They emphasize that the current swing is not only unsafe but also a daily risk that could lead to tragedy.
