# Assam students cross rivers by boat daily no bridge yet

2026-09-29T10:57:24+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

Children in Chengajan Gowala village, Dhemaji district, cross the Lali and Buri Sauti rivers by hand-operated boat every day to reach Chengajan Kaivarta M.E. School. Villagers said a girl reportedly drowned a few days ago. Residents have raised the demand for a permanent bridge multiple times with local MLA Bhubon Pegu and MP Pradan Baruah, receiving assurances but no construction. The boat journey also affects patients, pregnant women, farmers and traders during medical emergencies or market trips. Villagers say strong currents, boat shortages and delays force children to miss school. They are now seeking urgent intervention from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

Both ABP Live and Times Now report the same facts from the village: children cross rivers by boat daily, and a girl reportedly drowned recently. The two sources are uniform straight-news accounts, differing only in the quotes they chose, ABP Live cites a resident's general fear, Times Now publishes a student's direct words on missing school when water rises. Neither outlet frames the story against the state government or praises its response. Without a critical or pro-government skew in the text, the balanced reading is a shared call to action. Villagers now seek urgent intervention from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, as many raise the demand after the reported drowning.

## Coverage

- news.abplive.com (neutral report) <https://news.abplive.com/education/every-school-day-assam-s-dhemaji-children-risk-a-river-crossing-by-boat-to-reach-class-1868883>
  Led with a resident's fear quote, recent drowning claim, and MLA/MP mention
- timesnownews.com (neutral report) <https://www.timesnownews.com/education/no-permanent-bridge-leaves-assam-students-crossing-rivers-to-reach-school-article-156245683>
  Led with student quote, recent drowning claim, and appeal to Chief Minister

Tags: Assam, Buri Sauti, Dhemaji, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Lali River
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