Photo: H. Vibhu

PERILOUS JOURNEY: A country boat is the only mode of transport for the residents of Inchathotti near Thattekkad to cross the Periyar.

INCHATHOTTI (NEAR THATTEKAD): The reality that their dear ones could be robbed off any day is a constant fear that the residents of Inchathotti live with.

The recent boat tragedy in Thattekad re-ignited the embers of their memory. These villagers are trying hard to forget the tragedy that struck them on February 2, 1994.

On that day, the residents of Inchathotti near Thattekad lost three of their dear ones, including two children, when the country boat in which they were travelling capsized.

The 300-odd residents mostly depend on a country boat, without any safety systems, to cross the Periyar. The river is nearly 20 feet deep.

The residents have the option of travelling by road. But that will require an additional travel of nearly 20 km via Neriyamangalam to reach Kothamangalam.

"Even if you know swimming, it would hardly help as the currents are strong here. And when you are fully dressed, even the best swimmer would find it difficult to stay afloat," said K.A. Velayudhan, a resident, before boarding the boat from the `1st block kadavu.'

"Each day, a large number of children use the boat. Though several representations were made to the authorities for constructing a bridge here, nothing has happened and we are risking our lives travelling in the country boat," says P.S. Sasi, another resident.

For Varghese, the boat driver, it is a risky trip every time.

At times, the vessel drifts out of control in the strong winds and currents.

Test of skills

The real test of his skills comes when the boat encounters a dangling telephone cable drawn across the river. The cable hangs precariously low and poses the threat of capsizing the boat, he said. As a short-term measure, the residents are demanding that the telephone cable be raised using tall towers.

The Kuttampuzha village panchayat operates the boat service. The right to ply the boat is auctioned each year.

"A large number of the residents use the service. Though there is the option of travelling by road, we desperately need a bridge here," said Beena Joy, president of the Kuttampuzha panchayat.

"We petitioned the authorities, including the Prime Minister, for a bridge. There was some progress when P.C. Thomas was Union Minister. But the project did not materialise," said Shaji Joseph, the panchayat member representing the ward.

Many residents fear that it would take another tragedy for the authorities to consider their demand.

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