In Tamil Nadu, it is disheartening that villagers are still compelled to carry the bodies of their deceased relatives through neck-deep water to reach burial grounds. A viral video highlights this tragic reality in Trichy district, where a lack of proper pathways to cemeteries forces families to endure such hardships. While politicians may claim to uphold social justice and compare the state to others, these circumstances reveal a stark gap between their assertions and the lived experiences of the people.
More than 200 residents live in Nehru Nagar, situated in Maruthur Panchayat within the Lalgudi Union of Trichy District. To bury their loved ones, they must use the designated cemetery on the other side of the Upparu River. They can easily walk across to reach the cemetery when the river is dry.
However, during the monsoon season, flooding makes it extremely difficult to transport the deceased, as no bridge is available to cross the river.
Despite numerous petitions to government officials requesting a bridge over the Upparu River, no action has been taken. Recently, heavy rains caused the river to overflow.
Just a few days ago, a 98-year-old man named Arunachalam passed away in Nehru Nagar. Villagers had to wade through neck-deep water in the flooded river to carry his body to the cemetery for his final rites.
For years, the local community has appealed to the district administration to construct a bridge for easier access to the graveyard, but their requests have gone unaddressed. With a video showcasing their plight going viral, residents are now hopeful for immediate action to build a bridge across the Upparu River.
(With inputs from Dinamalar)
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