Transport is a major cause for concern in the country. Especially in the lesser developed regions and villages, it is a huge problem for commuters who have to travel long distances and cross several hurdles to get to work or school.
14-Year-Old Arjun Santhosh from Alappuzha, Kerala is another hapless student who is facing this issue.
Arjun swims 3 km to school every day across Vembanaad Lake to his school in Poothotta.
Arjun has said that there are boats that carry passengers to other islands. But they are usually late and have a lot of people waiting. He is punished in school if he reaches late. Hence, in protest of a bridge not being built for his village of Perumbalam, Arjun swims to school every day.
The demand for a bridge being built has been voiced for over 25 years, but the authorities have not heeded it.
The island village of Perumpalam is home to over 10,000 people and travel is a major concern for them as most of the working and studying class venture outside. Arjun is one of many villagers who have protested against the bridge not being built and has been swimming to school for 10 days every day.
Authorities have now issued a notice to Arjun to stop his protest as it is not safe for him to swim in the lake this way.
Collector of Alappuzha, R. Girija, said regarding the notice, “He is a minor and it is dangerous to swim in this season. If something tragic happens, we would be held responsible for not stopping him. Hence we decided to send him a notice.” Arjun has stopped his swimming as of now, but he will resume again if the villagers’ plea for the bridge isn’t met.
The government is yet to take a stand on this matter, and it is to be seen as to what steps the villagers take if the demand isn’t met.
News source: Daily Mail
Cover image sources: 1 & 2