The Ghatal block of Paschim Medinipur district is a low-lying area, and every monsoon, the overflowing Ketha, Kasai, and Shilabati rivers cause severe flooding. Isolation cut them off from essential services: nearby markets, educational institutes, and health centers.
The Ketha river physically separated Maharajpur, Narayanpur, and Elachak from Belasar and Islampur. To connect these communities, people faced a difficult 10–12 km journey. This challenge called for people-led change and a powerful display of community resilience.
Grassroots Innovation in Action: Sharing Labour, Securing the Future
Following a meeting conducted by Iswarchandra Memorial Educational Society and Goonj, the residents of Maharajpur decisively opted for a local, sustainable solution: building a bamboo bridge. This project is a perfect example of Grassroots Innovations—stories where people use local wisdom, labour, and shared material to build or repair infrastructure.
38 local people participated in the CFW activity (Cloth for Work), working over six days to construct the bridge.
The community demonstrated sharing with purpose by arranging the necessary bamboo on their own.
The completed bridge immediately reduced the distance between the villages on opposite banks of the Ketha river—from an arduous 10–12 km to just 1 km.
Completed Bamboo Bridge Maharajpur Restores Access to Schools and Market.
Restoring Dignity: Commute to Education and Health
The bamboo bridge wasn’t just a physical structure; it was a restoration of accessibility and dignity. Villages like Belasar and Islampur are now easily connected to the market, healthcare centers, and the well-known Maharajpur High School and Primary School.
Previously, the children from Belasar and Islampur struggled to attend these educational institutes. Now, they can reach them easily in a short distance of 1 km, securing their right to education. This community-led effort highlights that action, not assistance, is the sustainable path to restoring infrastructure and empowering people to manage their own long-term recovery. This bridge is a symbol of self-reliance and the immense power of collective resolve.
Be a Part of Change
Our invitation to you is, start from where you are.. From a small change of starting a Goonj kee Gullak or Team 5000, joining a long and deep change process, or things in between- organising a collection drive, a volunteering journey, an internship, or simply walking with us signing for a Goonj monthly newsletter subscription.. More on www.goonj.org or write to [email protected].
Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..
