Explainer: Rains add to gloom, bridge dreams still drifting for Sirsa’s marooned hamlets
for over 100 years, more than 20 villages in Haryana’s Sirsa district have depended on a small boat or dangerous makeshift bridges to cross the Ghaggar. Despite repeated promises, and official approval in 2021, the construction of a vital bridge connecting Budhabhana and Farwai Khurd remains incomplete.
The 100-m bridge, costing Rs 8.21 crore, was meant to be completed in just 18 months.
However, work began only in April 2025 — a year late — and, now, due to rains and the rising water levels, the project faces further delays.
Until it is finished, villagers — including school students and those visiting hospitals — continue to risk their lives.
Why is the bridge so important for the villagers?
The bridge would shorten travel from villages like Budhabhana and Farwai Khurd to Sirsa city from 22-30 km to just 8-12 km. It would also give direct road access to Punjab, only 28 km away. Villagers currently depend on a single boat, run by Chandiram Kamboj, or a highly unsafe makeshift bridge made from truck chassis.
This makes travel dangerous and time-consuming. Once the bridge is complete, it will benefit over 20 villages directly and more than 30 indirectly, improving access to education, healthcare, markets, and job opportunities.
What dangers do villagers face in the absence of the bridge?
Without a proper bridge, crossing the Ghaggar is risky. Students like Jyoti, who studies in Class IX, say crossing the river by boat is frightening, but necessary to attend school. Many girls drop out after Class X because parents fear for their safety. In emergencies, villagers use a narrow 2.25-ft makeshift bridge made from old truck parts, which is usable only when water is low. Several accidents have already occurred. Life-threatening risks are part of daily routine for many due to this.
What has been done so far to construct the bridge?
The bridge was officially approved in 2021 after over two dozen gram panchayats submitted a resolution to then Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala. Work in this regard was supposed to begin in April 2024, but started a year later, in April 2025. So far, only a few concrete pillars have been built. The 100-m structure, costing Rs 8.21 crore, is now further delayed due to the rains. Sirsa Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sharma has said the administration will push for its timely completion.
Have other villages in Sirsa found solutions on their own?
Yes. In villages such as Mallewala and Panihari, residents did not wait for the government to help. They took matters into their own hands. In 2004, the people of Mallewala, led by Sewa Das of Dera Baba Bhumman Shah, built a bridge themselves at a cost of Rs 2.5 crore. It is an inspiring example of community action, but also highlights residents’ frustration with government delays in other areas. Villagers near the Ghaggar hope their long wait will soon come to an end, and they won’t need to risk their lives anymore.
Haryana Tribune