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Cut off from classrooms: How a missing bridge is derailing education in Rafiabad village

  • Idrees Bukhtiyar By Idrees Bukhtiyar
  • Comments 0
  • 05 Apr 2026

Srinagar, Apr 04: In the hamlet of Hardu Chanam in north Kashmir’s Rafiabad area, a damaged bridge has become a barrier between children and their classrooms, disrupting education for nearly five years.

The cemented bridge over Nallah Humal, once a vital link connecting the village to Government Boys High School Hardu Chanam, was damaged during flash floods five years ago. Since then, it has remained in disrepair, forcing students to wade through the stream, often barefoot, to reach school.

Every morning, students gather along the banks, remove their socks and shoes, and cross the flowing water, braving cold temperatures and slippery stones. During harsh weather or when the water level rises, many return home without attending classes.

“It is very difficult, especially in winter. Our feet go numb in the cold water, and sometimes we slip,” said a student. “There are days when we don’t go to school because the water is too high. We are falling behind in our studies.”

The prolonged absence of a proper crossing has affected attendance. Locals said enrolment at the high school has dropped from around 300 students earlier to about 50 now.

Parents said their children’s safety remains a concern. “My son was regular in school earlier, but now I hesitate to send him every day,” said a parent. “Crossing the nallah is risky. Education is important, but so is safety.”

Some students take a longer route through a neighbouring village, adding nearly two kilometres to their daily commute, though this is not feasible for younger children.

The impact extends beyond education. Farmers said agricultural activity has also suffered as fields across the stream are now difficult to access.

Village Numberdar Mohammad Yousuf Mir said the issue has been repeatedly raised with authorities but remains unresolved.

“It has been five years since the bridge was damaged, but no reconstruction work has been initiated,” he said. “Our children are suffering. Their education is being affected, and the government must act.”

He said they had also approached the MLA Rafiabad, who assured reconstruction, but no progress has been made.

An Executive Engineer of the Roads and Buildings Department, Watergam, told Rising Kashmir that he was not aware of the issue. “No local resident has approached us so far. If they do, we will look into it,” he said.

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