In a distressing incident, a pregnant woman from the Zarakhli village near Chhota Udaipur had to be carried in a cot for half a kilometre after suffering labour pains. The family called for an ambulance, but due to the lack of proper roads, the ambulance could not reach the village. They were forced to carry the woman to the nearest paved road where the ambulance was waiting.
Despite the government celebrating ‘Development Week’ and claiming to reach development in remote areas, such incidents reveal the stark reality of development.
This is not the first time that pregnant women have had to be carried in a cot over rough roads to reach medical help. These recurring incidents expose the gap between the government’s development claims and ground reality.
Zarakhli village, home to more than 300 residents, has been without a proper paved road for years. The family of the pregnant woman had to carry her in a cot through the night and over rough terrain to reach the ambulance, which later took her to Amroli PHC and eventually to Garudeshwar Hospital, where she successfully gave birth. Both mother and child are reported to be doing well.
People STILL Waiting for Development
Despite the long-standing population in the village, the government has not provided proper road infrastructure, leading to constant struggles for the villagers. The local leaders are being criticised for not paying attention to these issues, leaving the villagers, especially pregnant women and the elderly, in a state of distress. Especially during the monsoon season, when movement becomes nearly impossible.
Ranguben Bhil, a local woman, alleged, “The government claims to develop the area, but we are still suffering from the lack of proper roads. This is the third such incident. Will the government only act after something happens to a pregnant woman or someone else?”
Ghanshyam Bhil, father of the pregnant woman, claimed, “Our village is located just 2 kilometres from the main highway, but the road is still not constructed. The government can build highways overnight, but not our village road. I had to carry my daughter in a cot to the nearest road. If something happens to her, what will we do? Leaders, please pay attention. The bus stand has been here for years, but no road has been built.”
Residents are now questioning whether the government will act only after something tragic happens, such as the death of a pregnant woman due to the lack of roads. Local bus stands are in place, but the connecting roads remain unpaved.
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