Forgotten by Development: Bihar Village Cut Off by River, Years After Independence

In a stark contrast to India’s progress, Harani village in Jamui district, Bihar, remains trapped in a time warp. Despite the nation’s advancements, residents of this village are still grappling with a lack of basic infrastructure, most notably the absence of a road connecting them to the outside world. The absence of a road leaves residents with a perilous choice during monsoon season: risk their lives crossing a fast-flowing river to reach the nearest town or remain confined within their village. The river becomes an impassable barrier, isolating them for months. Even during other times of the year, accessing healthcare or education requires a treacherous journey. The villagers have repeatedly appealed to officials and representatives, but their pleas for a road have fallen on deaf ears. Their plight serves as a stark reminder of the inequalities that persist even in a rapidly developing country.