River island Bhatora swims against poll tide

Howrah: Bhatora in Howrah’s Amta is not only one of the few islands in the state outside Sunderbans but also an

island

of neglect.

The 50,000 odd residents of 13 villages on this island, situated between two rivers — Roopnarayan and Mundeswari — and only accessible by boat and a bamboo bridge, swim against the electoral ride in the state.

While other parts of the state registers polling in excess of 80 per cent of vote, the election commission personnel and the candidates struggle to push the

poll

percentage to even 55 per cent in this island.

“What is the point of voting when we will continue to live in conditions devoid of basic amenities like healthcare facilities, accessibility with the mainland and potable drinking water?” asked Kamaleshwar Gayen, 70, a resident of Ghoraberia village on the island who has seen politicians of several hues visit them with bouquet of promises before the polls only to forget after winning. “People on the island have become disillusioned with the electoral system which is why there is no enthusiasm during elections,” Gayen added.

Most inhabitants of the island are farmers, but lack of no irrigation facilities doesn’t allow them to reap two crops a year. A sizeable section of the population are daily labourers, who visit the mainland every day in search of jobs. “But all jobs have dried due to lockdown and Covid-19. So, most of us stay here and stay idle throughout the day,” said Bapon Zamadar, a resident of Mirpur.