Local residents are demanding a bridge across the Uppara river in Tamil Nadu as funerals are risky

TIRUCHY: Over 200 families in Nehru Nagar village under Marudur panchayat of Lalgudi union have to risk their lives to attend a funeral at a graveyard across the Uppara river, which flows with dangerous flood water during monsoons.

Due to the lack of a bridge across the river, getting to this cemetery has been difficult for a long time. The issue gained attention when a video went viral on social media in which a family was seen wading across a river with a body later identified as that of Arunachalam, 98, who died on Saturday.

“Due to the high water level in the river, we had to carry the body through neck-deep water to reach the graveyard, risking ourselves to perform the last rites,” said M. Anantraj, a ward member and resident. He complained that “despite numerous appeals to the local authorities regarding the bridge across the river, the requests have remained unfulfilled, forcing us to brave the water.” Another resident, S. Kalviselvam, said frequent floods during the monsoons also prevent them from accessing basic facilities.

“During the monsoon, the water level rises. On Saturday, we tied the body with a rope and carried it across the river. As the old man’s son was unwell, he had to take an 8 km detour to reach the funeral site,” explained Kalviselvam. He also added, “We have been pleading for a bridge across the Uppara river for years but to no avail.

The 2019 panchayat resolution and appeals to the elected representatives were not heard. If the bridge is built, people will be able to easily access the primary health center at Pudhuruttamamur, the higher secondary school at Puratakudi and the veterinary hospital at Magilambad.”

J. Dhinesh, president of the panchayat, reiterated his demand for the immediate construction of a bridge to ensure safe passage to the graveyard: “It is a shame for us as even after the proposal for the construction has been given, the work has not yet started.” When contacted, a revenue official of the Lalgudi union said, “We have taken notice of the issue. Upparu is unpredictable. We have asked people to refrain from moving the bodies and instructed them to inform local officials of an alternative.”