On 1 November 2024, over 12 villagers, accompanied by relatives, crossed a swiftly flowing river on foot to bury an elderly man in a burial ground near Natham in Dindigul. Although the district administration has proposed building a metal bridge across the river for ₹10 lakh, the project remains unapproved.
Samudrapatti village, home to around 1,500 families, faced significant challenges following heavy rains that increased the river’s water levels. Periyam Pillai, a 73-year-old villager, passed away due to health issues. The burial ground, located on the opposite bank of the Thirumanimuthar River, is primarily used by Hindus, while separate burial sites exist for Muslim and Christian communities.
Initially, some villagers considered waiting for the water to recede before transporting Periyam Pillai’s body across the river. However, concerns over decomposition led them to decide to cross despite the dangers.
Approximately eight family members, along with other villagers, ventured into the river, where the water reached chest height. They navigated through the strong currents, successfully burying the elderly man by evening.
A senior official from the district administration commented, “This is a long-standing issue for the villagers. The river is managed by the PWD. The proposal for the metal bridge has been accepted by block development officers, but the river’s sharp bend complicates construction. We are waiting for higher officials to decide whether to build the bridge a few meters upstream or to identify an alternative burial site.”
Last week, villagers in Lalgudi, Tamil Nadu, faced a similar ordeal as they were forced to carry the bodies of their deceased loved ones through neck-deep water to reach burial grounds. A viral video has brought attention to this heartbreaking reality in Trichy district, where the absence of proper pathways to cemeteries forces families into such distressing situations. While politicians often proclaim their commitment to social justice, these conditions starkly contrast their claims and the actual experiences of the community.
In Nehru Nagar, located in Maruthur Panchayat within Lalgudi Union, over 200 residents must rely on a cemetery situated across the Upparu River. When the river is dry, crossing to the cemetery is manageable. However, during monsoon season, flooding makes this journey perilous, as no bridge exists to facilitate the crossing.
Despite repeated petitions to government officials for a bridge over the Upparu River, no action has been taken. Recently, heavy rains caused the river to overflow, exacerbating the situation.
Just days ago, the community faced tragedy when a 98-year-old resident, Arunachalam, passed away in Nehru Nagar. Villagers had to navigate through neck-deep water to transport his body to the cemetery for his final rites.
For years, the local community has urged the district administration to construct a bridge for better access to the graveyard, but their appeals have gone largely ignored. With the viral video highlighting their struggle, residents now hope for prompt action to build a bridge across the Upparu River.
(With Inputs From TNIE)