Lucknow, Mar 23: This would be for the first time in 22 years that people of an 'island' in the Uttar Pradesh capital would have an election booth for themselves. Almost, 22 years ago a river had changed course and had bifurcated, creating an island of five villages in Mohanlalganj, which comes within the Lucknow district. But it constitutes a separate parliamentary constituency. The Election Commission had recently announced its decision to 'rationalise' its booths for the general elections. Under the new scheme, the strength of the voters had been increased from the present 1,200 to 1,500 per booth. After the reorganisation, the booths in up have come down from 1.20 lakh to 1.02 lakh.
After nature played traunt with people of villages including Pegumpur, Rasoolpur and Jagarpur, several politicians have promised them a bridge. ''But none has fulfilled the promise though several elections have passed,'' said Nurul. The island of 1,500 people though have learnt to live with their peculiar problem, they still find it difficult to manage routine affairs. They barter 20 kg of grain for a boat ride to Gosainganj during monsoon.
A 'kuchha' road also helps them reach for hospitals and other services. While the road is around 14 km long, 22 years ago, the distance was a mere four km before the river changed course.
Bureau Report