Madhya Pradesh: No Brides For Village Youths Due To Poor Road Connectivity In Gwalior

Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh): Lack of proper roads is preventing youth of Kithoda village, Gwalior, from getting married. With a population of around 1,300 (about 150 families), there are 45 unmarried youths, many of whom are over 40 years old

Roads leading to the village often get submerged in water, making access nearly impossible.

Villagers have expressed their frustration by boycotting assembly elections, yet no roads or culverts were constructed. Recently, they protested by standing on the submerged road, highlighting their plight. There are two routes to Bhitarwar from the village, but both are in poor condition. The main road is unpaved and riddled with potholes.

Although a road was built a few years ago under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, it is a longer route and becomes unusable during the rainy season.

In 2023, the villagers boycotted the assembly elections, demanding better infrastructure. A local youth, wishing to remain anonymous, shared that many young men like him are missing out on marriage opportunities. Even when proposals arise, they are often rejected due to the lack of access.

Villager Hariom Kushwaha added that during the rainy season, the village is cut off from the city for three months, making it difficult for ambulances to reach and for children to attend school. Tragically, some villagers have died due to the inability to receive timely medical care.

To draw attention to their situation, the villagers also staged a water satyagraha, standing on the flooded road. Local officials, including the sarpanch and CEO, visited the site and promised to address their concerns by building the necessary roads and infrastructure.