Bihar Infrastructure Crisis: No Bridge for Funeral Rites

The residents of Morsanda village in Bihar's Katihar district are living a nightmare that persists even after death. Following the passing of a local resident named Arvind Mandal, his family and neighbors had to undertake a perilous journey to reach the local Shmashan Ghat. With no bridge over the Kamala River, the funeral party was forced to balance the bier on their shoulders while wading through deep water. This incident, captured on a mobile phone and now viral, serves as a grim reminder of the rural infrastructure gap in the state. Despite decades of political promises, the village remains cut off from the main road by the river, forcing people to risk their lives daily. According to the villagers, the lack of a bridge is a systemic failure that affects every aspect of life. While a private boat exists, it is frequently avoided due to extreme overcrowding and the risk of capsizing. In times of flood, the community relies on self-made bamboo bridges to maintain connectivity. MLA Kavita Paswan stated that she has previously brought this matter to the attention of the Bihar Legislative Assembly. She explained that technical issues related to the project plan have caused delays, but she promised that the construction would be prioritized moving forward. For the grieving family of Arvind Mandal, however, these promises come too late to provide the dignity their loved one deserved.