Around 40 students from Manikpur village in Umaria district are reportedly crossing the swollen Badki River to reach their higher secondary school in Bilaspur, with the water level rising up to their waists amid heavy rain.
The students, studying in Classes 9 to 12, have been taking the risky route because crossing the river reduces their journey to around one kilometre. If they avoid the river, they have to travel nearly 10 kilometres by the alternate route, according to local residents.
The situation came to light on Monday after a video surfaced showing schoolchildren crossing the river through strong currents and waist-deep water. The visuals have raised concerns over the safety of students travelling to school during the monsoon.
River Becomes Major Obstacle
Manikpur village falls under the Karkeli development block of Umaria district. With the river swelling due to rainfall, students are still using the crossing to attend classes at the Higher Secondary School in Bilaspur.
Residents said the shorter route through the river is being used because the alternative involves a much longer journey. The distance difference has reportedly left students choosing to take the dangerous crossing despite the risks posed by the strong current.
School Principal Says He Was Unaware
Amit Patel, in-charge principal of the Higher Secondary School in Bilaspur, said he was not aware that students were crossing the river to attend school.
Patel said the students had not informed the school administration about the problem. He added that he is currently serving as a temporary principal and would take whatever steps were possible to help the students.
The revelation has also raised questions about whether the school and local administration had adequate information about the difficulties students face in reaching the institution during the monsoon.
Education Department Orders Probe
Following the matter coming to light, District Education Officer BS Barkade said he would speak with the school principal and have the issue examined.
The education department has also indicated that efforts will be made to ensure that students do not have to cross the river to reach school, particularly when water levels rise during the rainy season.
For the students of Manikpur, however, the immediate challenge remains access to school. Until a safer arrangement is put in place, the river continues to stand between their homes and classrooms, turning their daily journey into a potentially dangerous crossing.
