The man on a wire over at least 10 feet water is not displaying his adventure, nor is showing his skill as in a circus. But, this is part of thousands of people living in Banjamaha and four other Panchayats of Raikia Block in Kandhamal.
Every need that requires to cross the river forces these people to risk their life. From going to school to go for marketing or a health check up, these people are to cross the river by walking on the wire tied to trees and logs on the bank.
This again is made by the people of the villages.
Same is the situation in Simanbadi Panchayat of Daringbadi Block in Kandhamal District. People of Dokarabadi and nearby villages are also forced to walk on a wire tied over Tikapaka river. At least seven thousand people from the nearby villages use this wire to cross the river, come out of the village and go to the market or any other place.
Even women and old people are supposed to walk on the rope risking their life or stay confined in their villages for months together. Think, if a pregnant woman with a little complication is required to visit a hospital. What she will do?
Any plea or reason for not making a bridge that would facilitate communication in a backward state like Kandhamal is shocking. More shocking is that, can we explain what these people have got even after 63 years of freedom? Just an annual celebration of Independence Day?
