In Diwalia village, Lakhimpur district, Assam, seasonal floods have long disrupted daily life. With crucial infrastructure damaged every year, villagers were forced to take long and difficult routes to reach schools, farmlands, and markets. During monsoons, children even had to travel by boat, making everyday tasks an ongoing challenge.
Instead of waiting for external intervention, the community decided to take charge. Through Goonj’s Rahat (disaster response) initiative integrated with Cloth for Work (CFW), they identified a sustainable solution—building a bamboo bridge using locally available materials.
A Bridge Built with Community Effort
Villagers worked together and the bridge was constructed, improving connectivity and turning what was once a daily hardship into a shared community achievement.
- A locally sourced, durable bamboo bridge now ensures safe passage year-round.
- Children no longer have to miss school, and farmers can easily access their fields and markets.
- The village’s sense of self-reliance has grown stronger, reinforcing the power of collective action.
“Because of the new bridge, our lives have changed for the better. It’s easier to reach the paddy fields and the market now. As a community, we’re determined to keep working for the progress of our village, whether or not external support comes.” – Mrs. Senemia Borah, Diwalia resident
Community members constructing the bamboo bridge
Community-Led Solutions for Lasting Change
The Diwalia bamboo bridge is more than a structure—it’s a symbol of resilience and community-driven progress. When people take charge of their challenges, they create lasting, practical solutions that enhance their quality of life.
Diwalia’s community-built bamboo bridge
Be part of this movement
For over two decades, Goonj has facilitated thousands of such conversations, sparking action-led solutions where communities take charge of their own challenges. 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..
