Mon Mar 31 11:33:10 UTC 2025: ## Fed Up With Broken Promises, Uttar Pradesh Villagers Build Their Own Bridge
**Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh:** Villagers in Ghazipur district, tired of unfulfilled promises from local representatives, have taken the construction of a much-needed bridge into their own hands. A 108-foot bridge spanning the Magai river is currently under construction, entirely funded by the villagers themselves who have pooled nearly ₹1 crore (approximately $1.2 million USD).
The project, started in February 2022, is now halfway complete. Residents cite decades of broken promises from elected officials, spanning multiple political parties, as the reason for their self-reliance. The bridge is expected to benefit residents from at least 50 villages, shortening the distance to the district headquarters by 25 kilometers. It will also greatly improve access to education and healthcare facilities, currently hampered by the river crossing. The lack of a bridge has forced students to endure long commutes, sometimes delaying school attendance during floods, and has increased the financial burden on families.
A retired army engineer, Ravindra Yadav, who donated ₹10 lakh (approximately $120,000 USD), spearheaded the initiative. The foundation stone was even laid in the presence of an Allahabad High Court judge.
While the project is progressing, the construction is happening without official administrative permission, raising concerns about accountability in case of accidents. District Collector Aryaka Akhauri stated that the administration learned about the bridge through media reports and will now ensure its structural integrity and safety. The Mohammabad Assembly constituency, where the bridge is located, has a history of political tension and violence. Interestingly, the ancestral village of Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is also situated in this area. The villagers, however, remain resolute in their determination to finally connect their communities.
First Piper 