Maharashtra: These kids in Palghar risk their lives daily to get to school

Dahanu villagers build makeshift wooden raft to help students keen on learning negotiate the dangerous, 40-foot-deep Surya river

Students at Kosesari Village in Palghar risk their lives every school day, crossing the Surya River on a boat made by villagers, just so that they can get educated. The monsoon makes their journey even more dangerous, but they are determined to not miss school. “We have been asking for a bridge on the river since 2000, but no one cares about these kids. The route to school via road is 25-km-long. We cannot afford private vehicles, and MSRTC buses never come on time,” said a zilla parishad member.

Every day, parents wait anxiously for the safe return of their kids

While the students started building the boat, villagers helped complete it. Every morning, they hop on the boat and cross over to the other side with the help of a rope tied on the either banks of the river. Students use the pressure of their legs to release the boat, and cover 600 metres each side. The river is also pretty deep, about 40 feet, but students say they have no other option.

Sagar Bhavre, a student, said, “We always hold each other’s hands while crossing the river for safety. We also take support of the plastic rope, and with the pressure of our legs, we push the boat to the other side of the river. It’s too dangerous and scary, too, but we don’t have any other option to go to school. We never miss school.”

Sagar said that their Std X internal exams are going on, so despite the monsoon, they are going to school every day. “Around eight students travel on the boat at a time. 

We can’t even sit because if we do, it will not balance properly. My sister and her friend always keep extra clothes with them, in case they get wet during the journey.”

A parent told mid-day that they live in fear every day, as their children endanger their life by crossing the river for their basic right. 

“There is not a single school in our village, so we send them to government institutions in Kasa or Vikramgad areas. Education is really important and we want them to get on their feet some day.”

When will we get bridge?

Saitish Karmoda, a member of the zilla parishad, told mid-day that they have been demanding for a bridge for the safe travel of children, since 2000, but no one listens. “We had informed the public works department (PWD). The PWD conducted a survey, but later did nothing. A bridge would cost around Rs 6 crore, but PWD won’t give permission.” Vinod Nikole, MLA from Dahanu, said, “Due to unavailability of a bridge, locals are facing tremendous troubles. I will take up this issue during the assembly session.”

600M
Distance students cover one way on the river

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