Ganjam: Facing permanent shortage of drinking water, villagers of Suryanarayanpur in Palibandh panchayat in Ganjam district have threatened to boycott elections if the matter is not resolved soon.
The villagers have been complaining to the district administration and the Public Health Department regarding the water shortage, but in vain.
Shouting slogans like ‘give water and take votes’, residents of Suryanarayanpur hit the road Thursday carrying household utensils and blocked NH-16.
The protest stranded hundreds of vehicles on both sides of the highway creating tension for some time.
Ganjam Town IIC Sudam Mallick and his men reached the spot and the villagers were assured that drinking water will be supplied to their village soon, and the protest was called off.
Sources said the police and the villagers agreed to raise the matter with the Public Health Department soon.
The villagers asked the administration to take immediate action to supply drinking water as they are using water from wells and ponds for drinking.
PNN