Babhni/Garhwa: For generations, reaching the main road from Kerki Tola meant negotiating a river, hills and private land boundaries. On Tuesday, residents of the remote hamlet in Babhni village, under Salga panchayat, saw a long-awaited change begin: a route was opened towards their settlement, offering fresh hope of better access to schools, healthcare and other essential services.
The lack of a reliable road had shaped daily life in Kerki Tola. Residents said children faced difficulties travelling to school, while families had to find ways to carry patients over long distances when medical care was needed. The hamlet’s isolation had persisted despite earlier efforts to resolve the route dispute.
The breakthrough came after Bardiha Block Development Officer Pravin Singh visited the area and brought residents and officials together to seek a solution. Singh set out from his residence at 6 a.m., meeting people along the way and hearing their concerns before reaching Babhni. More than 50 villagers gathered at Babhni Mor to explain the difficulties faced by the hamlet.
At the point where private land boundaries had blocked the route, Singh and Officer-in-Charge Rahul Singh held discussions with around 150 to 200 residents. The talks lasted several hours. Through dialogue and community participation, an agreement was reached to open a passage.
Two JCB machines and tractors were deployed at the site. Work began to clear the route and prepare an alignment of about two kilometres. Soil, morrum and stone aggregate were brought in as work progressed.
Residents express happiness and praised BDO Singh’s personal visit and sustained efforts to help resolve the long-standing issue. His decision to meet villagers at the site and facilitate discussion helped turn a difficult dispute into a practical step towards connectivity.
BDO Singh told residents that a proposal would be pursued under the “G-Ram-G” scheme for earthwork and morrum surfacing to strengthen the road. Further work will be needed to develop the route into a durable connection.
For Kerki Tola, the opening of the passage marks more than a change in the landscape. It represents the possibility of reaching schools, health services and markets with greater ease, and of reducing the hardships that have accompanied isolation for decades.
The day’s progress also demonstrated how persistent local engagement, constructive dialogue and community cooperation can help address long-standing barriers. For residents who had waited years for a road, the emerging route is a sign of renewed connection—and a reason to look ahead with confidence.
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