Sanguem villagers stranded again as Valshem bridge goes underwater
Heavy rains in Sanguem taluka submerged the Valshem bridge twice on Thursday, once in the afternoon and again in the evening, cutting off critical access between villages like Netravali, Villian, and Wadem. This seasonal disruption has once again exposed the vulnerability of thousands of residents who rely on this low-lying bridge to reach Sanguem town. Despite repeated demands for better infrastructure, no permanent solution has yet been implemented, leaving the affected communities increasingly anxious each monsoon.
For years, the bridge has become a monsoon flashpoint, with rising river levels frequently overwhelming the structure. Residents say the bridge’s low elevation and absence of side barriers make it unsafe and easily flood-prone. Repeated submergence not only disrupts daily life but also endangers school-going children, working women, and the elderly who rely on basic road connectivity. This lack of infrastructure resilience puts undue stress on local mobility, healthcare access, and essential supply chains, turning seasonal rains into a chronic civic emergency. Each episode underscores the widening gap between climate-adaptive needs and civic response mechanisms. In a region known for its dense forest cover and rich biodiversity, the infrastructure lag poses a deeper threat to climate equity. Officials acknowledge the structural shortfall but cite budgetary constraints and delays in approvals for bridge upgrades.
Meanwhile, experts advocate for a climate-resilient overhaul, suggesting that a raised bridge structure with reinforced embankments could not only withstand heavy monsoons but also serve as a lifeline for eco-conscious rural development. Failing to act risks further marginalising communities already vulnerable to extreme weather events amplified by changing climate patterns. Local accounts reveal how the recurring submergence disrupts not only transportation but also livelihoods. Farmers are unable to transport produce, healthcare workers are delayed, and school attendance drops significantly during such events. In the absence of a backup route, residents resort to unsafe crossings or endure long detours. The problem is not just about inconvenience—it is about exclusion from economic and civic participation during peak monsoon months. Many argue that the situation mirrors the broader neglect rural areas face in terms of equitable infrastructure investments.
Goa’s ambitious climate and sustainability plans cannot overlook such infrastructural blind spots. A climate-resilient bridge at Valshem would not only safeguard lives but also align with India’s commitments to sustainable rural connectivity under national missions. It is time policymakers rethink investment priorities, ensuring that even remote pockets are integrated into the state’s development narrative. Ensuring equitable infrastructure is not just about weather-proofing roads but about protecting the dignity and rights of residents in places like Sanguem.
