Devpt distant dream for Kamrup village

Joramukhuria (Southern Kamrup): For 22-year-old boatman Basanta Rabha, August 15 was just another day of ferrying curious tourists to his picturesque hamlet, Joramukhuria, situated on the banks of the scenic Chandubi Lake.
Deprived even of electricity, independence means little to members of the 30-odd households in the hamlet that can only be reached by boat.The residents of Joramukhuri have to row down Chandubi Lake to reach civilization. Crossing the lake on country boats, without any safety equipment, the villagers tempt fate daily.
“In the past, there have been incidents of boatmen drowning while trying to cross the river. Things become very difficult when people here require urgent medical attention. The people of Joramukhuri want to see some positive changes,” said Ashok Nongbag, leader All Rabha Students’ Union and an organizer of the Chandubi Festival held on the first day of the year.
Sixty-nine years after the country began its tryst with destiny, there is talk of Joramukhuri getting electricity. Electrical poles have been set up and a high-tension wire has been drawn across the lake to source power from the mainland. When that will happen, no one knows.
The nearest primary health centre is at Rajarpara, almost 5 km away from Joramukhuri. For those seeking an education, Mirza, 35 km away, is their only hope.
Rabha and the other boatmen in Joramukhuri want the state tourism department to regularize their job. With Chandubi gaining fame as a weekend getaway from Guwahati, tourism is rapidly becoming the hamlet’s lifeline.
“The lake is our life and we rely on it. On an average, I earn around Rs 500 daily depending on the route the tourists take. If the tourism department can ensure better opportunities for us, our source of livelihood will be organized,” said Rabha.