Subhash Mahajan
CHAMBA: Life has turned difficult for residents of Bat panchayat in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district as a damaged road and rising movement of wild animals, especially bears, have left schoolchildren and villagers struggling through harsh winter conditions.
The situation worsened after a road caved in during a past disaster, snapping bus connectivity to Bat village. The two key routes linking the panchayat — via Luddu and Panela — remain partially closed for buses. While vehicles on the Luddu route turn back nearly 3 km before the village, buses on the Panela side stop about 1 km short, leaving residents with no proper public transport access.
Children walk 2-3 km daily through jungle
The worst-hit are school-going children, who are forced to walk 2 to 3 km every day to reach their schools. The path cuts through dense forest, exposing them to the constant threat of wild animals. With winter at its peak and daylight fading early, children return home in the evening amid fear, cold and exhaustion.
Students said the road was damaged when a retaining wall collapsed during the disaster. Though repair work has been completed, bus services have not been restored. They urged the transport department and the government to resume bus operations up to their village to ensure safe and timely travel.
Villagers demand early restoration of bus service
Local residents echoed similar concerns, saying the road has remained unsafe for months despite repeated appeals. They said the lack of transport has disrupted daily life and placed children at risk, as bear sightings near residential areas have become frequent.
Villagers have urged the administration to immediately repair the affected stretch and restore full bus connectivity to Bat panchayat, warning that continued delay could lead to a serious mishap.
