Every day, around three thousand people travel between Jhargram and Medinipur by crossing the Kansabati River via a bamboo bridge. During monsoons, when the bamboo bridge gets washed away, boats are the only option. For crossing the river, toll has to be paid to contractor agencies approved by Jhargram Zilla Panchayat. Meanwhile, when flood situation arises in the river, crossing comes to a halt. Residents of the area have submitted requests multiple times for solving this problem. This time, work has progressed one step forward for constructing a bridge to cross the river. State Irrigation Minister Manas Ranjan Bhuiya has given instructions to build a bridge at Amdai-Kankabati ferry ghat in Jhargram.
The Kangsabati river flows through the Chubka panchayat area of Jhargram block. On the other side is Kankabati in West Medinipur. Residents of Manikpara, Sardiha and Chubka panchayats of the district cross the river by boat. Through this route, West Medinipur can be reached in less time. Every year, a bamboo bridge is constructed at Amdai-Kangkabati ghat. During monsoons, there is no other option except crossing by boat. The continuous anger of local residents is increasing over ferry fare hikes. There are complaints that extra money is often collected. Along with this, there is the long wait for boats. Therefore, MP of the district Kalipada Soren had demanded a bridge in the Lok Sabha for connecting Jhargram and West Medinipur at Amdai ghat.
On Wednesday, at an administrative meeting at Jhargram District Magistrate's office, Irrigation Minister Manas Bhuiya gave instructions for a survey to construct a bridge at Amdai-Kangkabati ferry ghat. Zilla Panchayat Chairperson Chinmayi informed that on Tuesday, October 14, district administration, zilla panchayat, panchayat samiti, irrigation department and public works department will hold a meeting regarding bridge construction.
