Close Call in Mandi’s Seraj: Woman, Youth Rescued After Falling Into Rivulet While Crossing Makeshift Bridge.
Villagers Demand Immediate Construction of Permanent Bridge to Prevent Future Tragedies.
Shimla:
A potential tragedy was narrowly averted in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district on Saturday when a young woman and a youth fell into a swollen rivulet while crossing a makeshift wooden bridge in Jhud village, located in the Seraj Assembly Constituency.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred around midday when 26-year-old Puja Thakur and 26-year-old Tivender Kumar were trying to cross the rivulet using a temporary bridge constructed by villagers. The bridge, made of loosely placed wooden planks, is the only available passage for residents of the area to cross the stream, particularly during the monsoon season when water levels rise significantly.
Puja reportedly lost her footing midway across the bridge due to the slippery surface, caused by ongoing rain. In an attempt to steady her, Tivender—who was holding her hand—also lost his balance, and both plunged into the fast-moving current.
Fortunately, several villagers were nearby waiting for their turn to cross. Acting quickly, they jumped into the rivulet and managed to pull both Puja and Tivender to safety. The two sustained only minor injuries and did not require hospitalization, according to local sources.
Persistent Risk to Locals
The incident has sparked renewed outrage and concern among villagers, who have long been demanding the construction of a permanent (pucca) bridge in the area. Locals say the temporary bridge poses a daily hazard, particularly during the monsoon when the water current becomes dangerously strong.
“This is not the first time someone has fallen into the rivulet while trying to cross this makeshift bridge,” said one concerned resident. “We are grateful that no lives were lost today, but we may not be so lucky next time. School children, elderly residents, and people carrying essential supplies are forced to risk their lives every day.”
Demand for Government Action
Villagers have once again appealed to the state government and the local administration to take urgent steps toward constructing a permanent bridge over the rivulet. They argue that infrastructure in remote areas like Jhud often gets neglected, despite its vital role in ensuring safety and connectivity for rural populations.
“This bridge is a lifeline for us,” said another resident. “Without it, people are cut off, especially in emergencies. How many close calls or fatalities will it take for authorities to act?”
The growing attention surrounding the incident may put pressure on local officials and elected representatives to prioritize infrastructure development in the region.
The villagers hope that swift action will follow—before another such incident ends in tragedy.
