Tripura, 27 August 2026: Villagers of Debendra Karbari Para under the Chawmanu Village Committee in Dhalai district staged a road blockade on Thursday morning, demanding the construction of a footbridge and a permanent solution to their drinking water crisis.
The protesters blocked the Chawmanu–Manu road around 6 am, alleging that they have repeatedly raised the issues with the authorities but no effective action has been taken.
According to the villagers, the absence of a footbridge over the river creates serious problems during the monsoon. When the water level rises, movement between the two sides becomes difficult and, at times, dangerous. Students reportedly face particular hardship as they are unable to attend school regularly during periods of heavy rain and rising water levels.
A protester said the villagers had earlier staged similar road blockades in 2024 and 2025 demanding a footbridge connecting Khetrichhara with Debendra. He claimed that a tender for the bridge had already been floated and opened on March 13, 2024, raising hopes among the villagers that construction would begin.
However, the protesters alleged that the proposed bridge was subsequently shifted to Arjunmani Para/Arjunmani Karbari Para under the Makarchhara area. The villagers expressed anger over the alleged transfer, claiming that they had not been properly consulted.
The protesters further claimed that officials cited objections related to the land required for the bridge. However, according to the villagers, the concerned landowners told them that they had not submitted any objection to the proposed construction.
The villagers said officials had informed them that if a no-objection resolution was submitted within seven days, the work order could subsequently be issued and construction could begin.
The protesters also highlighted the drinking water crisis in the area. They said residents continue to depend largely on stream water and suffer considerable difficulties when the water becomes muddy during the monsoon.
The villagers are demanding that the local MLA personally visit the area, meet with them and give an assurance that the footbridge will be constructed at the required location.
They warned that the road blockade would not be withdrawn until their demands are addressed and a concrete assurance is provided.
The villagers said the proposed bridge is essential not only for local residents but also for students, teachers and children attending the local school and Anganwadi centre.
