Like a train rushes by, my heart quivers on its path.
This poignant phrase, though penned under different circumstances, aptly describes the perpetual trepidation that grips a quaint village shadowed by the incessant rumble of passing trains. Here, in 21st century India, people of all ages dice with death as they traverse three daunting railway tracks – a harrowing testament to their daily struggles and the stark contrasts of their lives.
Source: aajtak
In the heart of Pratapgarh district of Uttar Pradesh, sits the little village of Sonava, just a stone's throw away from the District Magistrate's office. Flanked by three railway lines on one side and a river on the other, villagers often find themselves with no choice but to navigate the treacherous train tracks every day.
Source: aajtak
The populace, numbering close to three thousand souls, is not just a speck on the map; it is a haven for lives teeming with dreams soaring high into the sky. And yet, before children can even reach school, they must wage a perilous battle against jagged stones and probable accidents on these railway tracks.
Source: aajtak
Villagers relate that their primary access route to the world beyond, the railway crossing, is on the verge of closure. Barrier walls are set to rise next to the tracks, with fortifications already underway on both ends of the crossing. This construction spells uncertainty and poses a dire question for the future of their mobility and survival.
"We face immense hardships in our daily comings and goings, our livelihoods, especially during events like marriages. We carry bridal couples on bikes as walking the lines is fraught with danger. Should we be hemmed in by these barriers, what will become of us? Of our children and livestock?" bemoaned local resident Rama Devi. "The authorities are even planning to seize land from outside our homes!"
Previous residential demonstrations have been staged, and appeals made to local authorities, though to little avail. The villagers remain determined, though, ready to blockade the railways if their voices continue to be ignored.
Protests Have Taken Place at the District Magistrate's Residence
"With three train tracks to contend with, we suffer endlessly. Even taking a bicycle across is an ordeal. Accidents are a common, tragic occurrence for people, our children, and animals alike," explains former community council member Rizwan. Despite attempts at dialogue during railway station visits and protests at the District Magistrate's residence, solutions are elusive, amplifying frustrations and the sense of being forsaken.
Local resident Aasif laments, "Our village is cut off, and entire communities are in distress. We've been left with no alternative but to protest. Promises were made by past representatives, but to this day, we are unheard. We're left without healthcare access, our children's education is imperiled, and even now, more walls are set to rise."
From the elderly recalling harrowing close calls, to the heart-wrenching tale of a beloved cow lost to a speeding train, narratives of narrow escapes and pleas for merciful intervention echo across Sonava.
Villagers convey an unmistakable resilience amidst these tribulations, forging a fellowship bound by shared struggles and an unwavering hope for a safe passage that would reconnect them with the world.
These indomitable spirits are met with promises by local MLA who pledges to advocate for a resolution to their plight. The assurance of a potential lifeline renews a cautious optimism, hinting at brighter days ahead.
The story of Sonava – emblematic of many other communities trapped between development and tradition – resonates with a powerful call for recognition, respect, and most importantly, change.
