Post News Network
Koraput, March 29: People of Masiput village in ward no-19 of Koraput municipality have been deprived of basic amenities, thanks to the apathetic attitude of the civic authorities and the administration.
Though the village comes under the jurisdiction of Koraput municipality and is situated only 7 km away from the district headquarters, the authorities have not taken any significant step to develop basic infrastructure in the area.
As many as 370 people belonging to 54 families reside in the village. Most of the families settled here after they were displaced due to the Upper Kolab project.
Lack of drinking water facility has been a problem in the village over the last several years. With a tube-well set up in Adivasi Sahi four years ago lying defunct, people are forced to use water of a well littered with filth.
The administration has never paid attention to the drinking water problem. It had started construction of a tube-well in the village school last year which is yet to be completed. As a result, school authorities also use water of the well to prepare mid-day meal.
Besides, frequent disruption in power supply and lack of proper road connectivity are other issues plaguing the village.
Most of the villagers have blamed leaders of political parties for the state of affairs. “Political leaders had made several promises to develop infrastructure and provide basic facilities during the elections. But, they did not keep their promises,” they alleged.
To add to the villagers’ woes, a news regarding Vedanta getting the lease to extract bauxite from Deula hill near the village has been giving them sleepless nights.
They have apprehension that they may have to be displaced yet again if mining work starts in the area. The villagers have decided to oppose the project and are finalising strategies to mount pressure on the administration to not allow any company to start mining work in the area.
Executive officer of Koraput municipality Bhabagrahi Sahu said the administration would take steps to improve road connectivity and drinking water facility in the area.