Andhra Pradesh children cross rivers daily as bridges stall

In Parvathipuram Manyam district, a bridge over the Nagavali River that was first proposed in 1996 remains unfinished after three decades, leaving about 10,000 residents, including schoolchildren, to wade through waist‑deep water each day. The project, initially sanctioned by former chief minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy with an estimated cost of ₹3.5 crore, has seen multiple cost revisions and tender attempts without progress. Local officials say fresh proposals are being submitted and chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has promised completion, but delays continue.

Meanwhile, on the Godavari River islands near Rajamahendravaram, children of fishing families travel each morning in small boats to reach schools on the mainland. Temporary island schools were closed years ago, and despite offers of hostel accommodation by district education officer Vasudeva Rao, families prefer to keep their children with them during the fishing season. The daily boat rides become especially hazardous during monsoon floods, prompting calls for revived island schools or a dedicated safe transport service.