Raksha Bandhan Amidst Floods: Sisters Face Ordeal Crossing Rivers

Sisters Face Ordeal Crossing Flooded Paths for Raksha Bandhan

On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, sisters aspiring to tie Rakhis on their brothers' wrists are confronting the severe impact of floods. The main road leading to Manjha Madaiya village in the Amritpur police station area of Farrukhabad is submerged under about four feet of water.

This has forced many sisters to wade through the water to reach their paternal homes. Despite the dire flood situation, villagers are not being provided with boat facilities, leading to widespread discontent among them.

Lack of Boats Fuels Outrage Among Villagers

Sandhya, Vinita, Neha, and other sisters from Mainpuri shared that they had arrived at their maternal homes two days prior to tie Rakhis for their brothers. They had no idea that the route to the village would become so waterlogged.

The absence of boat services is causing them significant hardship. They noted that floods occur every year, but the current situation is far more severe than in previous years. Villagers are questioning the government's promise to provide two boats for flood-affected villages, alleging that no boats are present on the route to Manjha Madaiya.

This is causing great inconvenience not only to the sisters who arrived for Raksha Bandhan but also to other villagers. One villager recounted having to navigate waist-deep water to Amritpur to get medicine for his sick son due to the lack of boats.

Villagers also allege that some individuals hoard government boats for personal gain, preventing the needy from accessing them on time. This negligence has cast a shadow over the festive spirit of the sisters who came to celebrate the festival.

Administration Promises Action

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Amritpur, Shweta Sahu, stated that the availability and arrangement of boats will be immediately investigated.

She clarified that strict action will be taken against anyone found to be holding government boats in their homes during an important occasion like Raksha Bandhan. She also assured that if any lapses are found at any level in ensuring the safety of sisters and villagers, the concerned Lekhpal (revenue officer) will be held responsible and face stringent action.