Vidisha: A viral video from Madhya Pradesh’s Vidisha district has sparked widespread concern after showing schoolchildren crossing a narrow stop dam over the Betwa River every day to reach their school, putting their lives at risk.

According to the children, they have been using the dangerous route for the past four to five years as there is no safer alternative. Taking the regular road would require them to travel an additional 8 to 10 kilometres, making the stop dam the only practical option for many students.

The video triggered public outrage on social media, with many questioning the lack of safe infrastructure for schoolchildren in the area.

Responding to the incident, the Vidisha district administration announced a series of measures to ensure the students’ safety. Officials said bicycles will be provided to the children to help them use the longer but safer route. The administration also plans to construct a temporary bridge across the river, while a proposal to establish a school closer to the affected villages is under consideration.

The incident has once again highlighted the challenges faced by students in rural areas, where inadequate infrastructure often forces children to risk their lives in pursuit of education.