Jharkhand Students Face Danger Daily as Collapsed Bridge Hinders Education

A collapsed bridge in Khunti, Jharkhand, is forcing schoolchildren to take extreme risks to continue their education. The bridge over the Banai River, on the Khunti-Simdega route, was damaged during heavy rains on June 19th. As a result, students from approximately a dozen villages, including Jamtoli, Hesel, and others, are using bamboo ladders to cross the river. These ladders, erected by local villagers, require students to climb 20-25 feet to reach the other side. A video of the children climbing the ladders with their school bags has circulated. The authorities have removed the ladders after becoming aware of the danger. The bridge, which connected Khunti and Simdega districts, has also increased travel distance for residents by about 12 kilometers.