Delayed bridge costs lives in Kerameri

For decades, villagers from eight habitations across Anarpalli Vaagu in Kerameri mandal have faced the same life-threatening problem of lack of a functional bridge. The stream, which swells during heavy rains, cuts off access to medical aid and essential services, leaving residents stranded.

A bridge over Anarpalli Vaagu was sanctioned in 2016 by the then TRS government. However, the contractor has repeatedly delayed work. Each rainy season, construction begins for a month and is then abandoned, leaving villagers to face the same peril year after year. Over the past nine years, this cycle has persisted, resulting in multiple preventable deaths.

In the past week alone, two elderly persons reportedly lost their lives after being unable to cross the stream for medical aid. In August, villagers were forced to lift patients across the raging waters to reach hospitals.

Adding to the frustration, local representatives have reportedly neglected the issue, failing to press for timely action despite repeated complaints from villagers.

Social activists are urging the authorities to treat the residents with urgency and humanity, and not to ignore the people of the village. They insist that the long-pending bridge construction on Anarpalli Vaagu be initiated immediately to prevent further tragedies.

Residents stress that 2025 should not pass without concrete action to ensure safe connectivity and save lives.