Nagayalanka’s island villages are nothing short of paradise. Surrounded by water, with colourful country boats dotting the landscape, the air filled with the strong aroma of seafood as women dry their catch on the ground and fishermen go about their work. Yet, not many people choose to visit or work at this paradise near the river Krishna.

Tucked far away from the mainland near Etimoga village and surrounded by the river Krishna is Edurumondi, a nondescript island panchayat in the Nagayalanka mandal of the Diviseema region. The panchayat, which includes five villages within its jurisdiction, serves as the only gateway to a group of seven island villages—Edurumondi, Jinkapalem, Krishnapuram, Yesupalem, Gollamanda, Brahmaiahgarimula, and Nachagunta—that lie near the confluence of the Krishna River and the Bay of Bengal. Elachetladibba is part of another island, accessible via a country boat from Nachagunta.

The only connection between the island and the mainland is a punt (barge), a large mechanised boat with a carrying capacity of 25 tonnes. Around 11,000 villagers including labourers, families, students, and government employees are dependent on this lone punt, which operates 22 times a day. Lack of basic infrastructure, amenities and clean drinking water are just among the many issues faced by these villages.

Unfulfilled demand

The demand for a bridge has been pending for over three decades now. “In 1990, former Chief Minister N.T.