Post News Network
Malkangiri/Khairaput, April 16: Bonda ghat, situated 14 km away from Khairaput and around 74 km away from Malkangiri district headquarters respectively, is gradually becoming unsafe for habitation of tribal belonging to Bonda communities due to frequent landslides.
Bonda ghat is divided in two parts. The areas situated in the top part of the hill is called as ‘Upar Bonda ghati ( Upper Bonda ghat) while those situated on the foothill is known as ‘Tala Bonda ghati ( Lower Bonda ghat). Over 6,000 people belonging to the community are residing in these two parts of the hill.
People residing in Upper Bonda ghat are still following their age-old tradition while those living in the Lower Bonda ghat are gradually changing their lifestyles and adopting modern culture.
These areas have remained as habitation of Bonda tribal for so many years. Several tourist spots like Aammakunda and Mankadjhola are also situated in the area. Hundreds of people visit the area to see these tourist spots. This apart, many people also visit Bonda ghat to acquire knowledge about the lifestyle, culture and tradition of Bonda tribal.
But, frequent landslide incidents taking place in the area since 2013 has put the habitation of Bonda tribal in danger. For the first time in last 10-years, landslide occurred in Bonda ghat July 10, 2013 after the area received heavy rainfall.
Road connectivity to 30 villages under two gram panchayats Mudulipada and Andrahal was totally cut-off from other areas due to the landslide. A culvert built near Govindpally was washed away by rain which led to disruption in communication. Hundreds of thatched houses in the area collapsed making people homeless. Three persons were also killed after a flood hit the area.
Sand caved in at several places in the area again after cyclonic storm ‘Phailin’ hit the area. As these people are not aware of taking scientific measures to save their lives and properties during natural calamities, the administration had shifted hundreds of them from Bonda ghat to safer places when cyclonic storm ‘Hudhud’ hit the area in October last year.
Frequent landslides occurring in the last two years have made these tribal concerned regarding safety of their lives and properties. They have apprehension that they may lose their habitation if such incidents continue to take place in the area. Reacting on the issue, an official of Bonda development agency Manga Panna said that the administration has taken landslide incidents very seriously.
Plantation programme is being undertaken in the area in large scale by integrated tribal development agency (ITDA) for last three years.
“In addition to this, a proposal has been given to the administration for constructing a cyclone shelter in the area and work on this project will kick-start after getting adequate funds”, he added. But, due to lack of proper maintenance, many saplings are found to be damaged. However, an official stated that new saplings will be planted at those places.
