No bridge, no road: Schoolchildren risk lives crossing flooded river in Uttarakhand's Nainital

Every monsoon, children in Chukum village in Uttarakhand's Nainital district risk their lives crossing the swollen Kosi river to reach school. With no bridge or proper road connectivity, students wade through waist-deep floodwaters carrying their school bags on their heads, while many are forced to miss classes when the river becomes too dangerous.

Villagers say the monsoon brings not only disruption to education but also the constant threat of soil erosion and flooding. Several homes have already been damaged or washed away in previous years, prompting residents to demand immediate relocation.

Parents often carry younger children across the river, while others brave the waters to reach work or access healthcare. Local authorities said the village relocation proposal has been been sent to the Uttarakhand government and is awaiting approval. Meanwhile, temporary measures, including rafts and advance ration supplies, have been arranged to help residents during the monsoon season as they continue to await a permanent solution.