Continuous heavy rainfall in the Jharkhand border areas of Gaya district, Bihar, has exacerbated the problems faced by villagers. The temporary culvert built over the Bhutahi River in Jiwatari village, under Manjhauli Panchayat of Dumaria block, has once again been damaged by strong water currents. According to locals, this is the fourth time the culvert has been washed away by rainwater within a year.

The collapse of the culvert has severely disrupted connectivity for residents of approximately 12 villages, including Nizamadih, Jirwatari, Mallah Tola, Bagha Dawar, and Kalani. Following heavy rains in the Gaya region bordering Jharkhand, the water level of the Bhutahi River rose sharply. The strong currents in the river increased pressure on the temporary culvert, which was constructed using hume pipes, leading to its damage. Villagers reported that traffic had only recently been restored by laying hume pipes on the culvert, but the heavy rainfall exposed the inadequacy of this temporary arrangement once again.

This route is the primary means for villagers to access markets, schools, fields, and other essential services. With the culvert broken, residents are forced to cross the river through strong currents, posing a significant risk of accidents. School children are particularly affected, as many have to cross the dangerous river to reach their schools, jeopardizing their education. Farmers are also facing difficulties in reaching their fields.

Villagers are demanding the construction of a permanent bridge from the administration and concerned departments. They state that this problem recurs every monsoon season, with temporary solutions consistently failing. The lack of a permanent bridge severely impacts children's education, agricultural activities, and the daily lives of the villagers.