Telkoi: For 25,000 people living in five panchayats of Telkoi block in Keonjhar district, crossing River Samakoi is a major problem. In the absence of a bridge, they are virtually cut off from the rest of the world.
A bridge across Samakoi is a long-pending demand of the local people who said if the government builds a bridge across the river, people of Deuladiha, Kardangi, Bhimkand, Khuntapada, Akula and other panchayats will benefit.
People’s representatives of these panchayats have pleaded with the district administration about the need for a bridge across the river. The bridge will pave the way for road connectivity with panchayat headquarters to villages in the area.
Zilla Parishad member Binay Kumar Sahu said the bridge issue was taken up at the Zilla Parishad meeting. “Since the bridge project entails a huge cost, there has been no decision yet on which department should be asked to carry out the project,” the ZP member said.
Block chairperson Mamata Dehuri said scores of villagers in five panchayats will get access to other areas if a bridge is built. PNN
