Pithoragarh families stranded as river rise blocks supply routes

In the hill district of Pithoragarh, relentless rain has swollen the Bilju river, cutting off the primary supply corridor that connects Mallajohar with Milam. Roughly 80‑90 households now face isolation, with essential items such as rations, medicines and school kits stuck on the opposite bank.

The absence of a permanent crossing forces residents to fashion a temporary wooden bridge, which offers only a perilous passage. Health workers warn that a sudden deterioration in a patient’s condition could become fatal if the river must be crossed without proper infrastructure.

The community recalls that a cable‑trolley used during the previous monsoon was destroyed by floodwaters and has never been reinstated. Calls for swift construction of a durable bridge have intensified, as villagers argue that their safety and livelihood depend on reliable connectivity.

Government officials have reiterated the advisory to avoid non‑essential travel until the monsoon eases, but the pressing need for basic supplies leaves many with no viable alternative.