The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of reports about schoolchildren in Chhattisgarh being forced to take a dangerous route to reach their schools. The children in Gariyaband district have to cross the Pairi River using a narrow iron ladder attached to an unfinished bridge.
The NHRC has now issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh and sought a detailed report on the situation within two weeks. The commission raised serious concerns about the children’s safety and their human rights if the facts are correct, the Commission said in its report.
The problem affects children of Khambhatha and other villages in the Mainpur Block area. During the monsoon, the normally shallow Pairi River becomes much more dangerous because of the increased flow of water. Children need to cross the river on their way to school with the unfinished bridge.
Children Forced To Use Unfinished Bridge.
According to reports, dozens of children have to climb a narrow and slippery iron ladder fixed to a pillar of the unfinished bridge. They then make their way across the structure while the swollen river flows below.
The situation is particularly dangerous during the monsoon. If a child makes a mistake while climbing the ladder or crossing the unfinished section, he or she may fall into the river.
The bridge is about 300 metres long and is located between Deharguda and Khambhatha in Mainpur Block. The NHRC's report explained that the bridge has been incomplete for nearly six years.
The villagers had been assured about a year ago that the bridge would be completed in six months, they say. But the construction is still being completed.
For the kids, the problem is not only about convenience. The bridge is part of their daily route to get to primary, middle and high schools. Crossing the river in the rainy season is even more difficult and dangerous.
NHRC Seeks Answers From Chhattisgarh Government.
The NHRC wants the Chhattisgarh Chief Secretary to submit a detailed report within two weeks. The commission wants the state government to explain the situation and the steps being taken to address the safety concerns.
The NHRC took action after it had taken note of a media report on September 3, 2026, which described the dangerous journey of the children. And if true, the Commission said the reported circumstances could constitute serious human rights issues.
The case also raises broader questions about access to education in remote parts of the country. Children should be able to attend school without having to take a route that puts their lives at risk.
The unfinished bridge has been unfinished for years now despite promises of an early completion. The NHRC’s intervention can now put pressure on the authorities to handle the pressing safety problem as well as the long-term infrastructure problem.
A completed bridge for families in Khambhatha and nearby villages would make it safer for them to cross the river. But until then, the children are left exposed to the dangers created by the unfinished structure and the seasonal rise in the Pairi River.
Chhattisgarh: NHRC seeks report on schoolchildren crossing Pairi river on unfinished bridge
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The state government’s response to the NHRC notice will be important in determining what measures are being taken to protect the children and complete the delayed bridge project.
