Bardiya students risk their lives to reach school in monsoon
Lack of culvert over Vijayanagar irrigation canal in Barbardiya-11 forces dozens of pupils to cross dangerous waters every rainy season. Students making way for their school through the inundated area.
Children in Barbardiya Municipality-11, Bijaynagar, have been compelled to make risky crossings to attend school during the monsoon.
The absence of a culvert on the irrigation canal between Namaskar Tol and Milan Tol has left pupils and parents struggling with the swollen waters every year.
On Friday morning, heavy rain caused the canal to overflow, flooding the path. Videos posted on social media showed parents helping children wade through the strong current to reach their classes.
According to headteacher Ram Prasad Tharu, over 20 students use the route daily to reach Simha Secondary School in Belbhar, while more than 25 pupils attend Bijaya Primary School.
Ward chairperson Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said two hume pipes had been installed but could not contain the overflow.
A report has been submitted to the provincial government for culvert construction, but Mayor Chhabilal Tharu stated that work would not be possible this year. Meanwhile, parents and children remain vulnerable every time rainfall lasts more than two hours.
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