Begunia: The Begunia block authorities are yet to convene a preparatory meeting to deal with the heat-wave conditions in the locality.
The authorities’ failure to open temporary drinking water kiosks in villages and to make special arrangements to treat sunstroke victims has created resentment among villagers.
According to sources, the block administration used to hold a preparatory meeting to deal with heat-wave condition by March 15. Soon after the meeting, the block authorities take necessary steps to repair defunct tube-wells and open temporary drinking water kiosks in villages.
This year, the block administration has so far failed to hold a preparatory meeting to manage the heat-wave condition and prevent sunstroke cases.
“The block administration has not taken any steps to open temporary drinking water kiosks in 160 revenue villages under its jurisdiction. Moreover, the authorities concerned have failed to repair defunct drinking water projects and tube-wells in the locality. Villagers, especially the commuters, are facing problems to get drinking water,” rued a local.
The villagers claimed that the elected ward members and sarpanches of 21 gram panchayats under Begunia block have not shown any urgency to open drinking water kiosks in their respective localities.
“The authorities of a community health centre (CHC) at Botalama are yet to open a special ward to treat sunstroke victims. Many primary healthcare centres have also done nothing to treat sunstroke victims,” said another villager.
When contacted Begunia block development officer (BDO) Rabinarayan Majhi said they would soon convene a meeting to manage the heat-wave condition.