Mariani, April 1 -- Many schoolchildren from Naopam and Moran villages in Assam are facing the prospect of another academic year disrupted by the absence of a bridge over the Soitai River.

Currently at a low level, the river is expected to overflow as rains begin in April, cutting off the primary route to local schools and forcing students to take long detours.

Villagers living on both sides of the river are facing serious daily challenges due to the lack of connectivity. Residents say that the bridge over the river was washed away by strong currents three years ago and has not yet been rebuilt.

A fifth-grade student expressed his wish for a permanent bridge over the river. "In April, the river overflows and going to and from gets diff...