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India News | NHRC Demands Report from Chhattisgarh Chief Secy over Schoolchildren Forced to Cross River Via Unfinished Bridge

Get latest articles and stories on India at LatestLY. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), on Wednesday, took suo motu cognisance of reports that dozens of schoolchildren from Khambhatha and neighbouring settlements in Chhattisgarh's Gariyaband district are forced to scale a narrow, slippery iron ladder attached to an incomplete bridge to cross the swollen Pairi River to reach their schools.

India News | NHRC Demands Report from Chhattisgarh Chief Secy over Schoolchildren Forced to Cross River Via Unfinished Bridge
Representative image (File photo/ANI)

New Delhi [India], September 9 (ANI): The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), on Wednesday, took suo motu cognisance of reports that dozens of schoolchildren from Khambhatha and neighbouring settlements in Chhattisgarh's Gariyaband district are forced to scale a narrow, slippery iron ladder attached to an incomplete bridge to cross the swollen Pairi River to reach their schools.

Observing that the report raises severe human rights concerns regarding the safety and education of children, the NHRC issued an official notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Chhattisgarh, demanding a detailed report within two weeks.

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According to the media report dated September 3, 2026, the roughly 300-meter-long bridge connecting Deharguda and Khambhatha in the Mainpur Block area has remained incomplete for nearly six years.

The prolonged delay comes despite explicit assurances given by authorities to local villagers about a year ago that construction would be finished within six months.

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The ongoing monsoon season has turned the shallow Pairi River into a dangerous torrent, severely heightening the risk for students forced to use the makeshift ladder structure daily. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)