Keonjhar: Despite the government pouring crores of rupees under various tribal development schemes, many villages in forests of Bansapal block in Keonjhar district are languishing under neglect on all fronts.
Tribal communities like Bhuyan, Munda, Juanga and Santhals have been leading a miserable life in the absence of basic amenities like roads, healthcare and housing.
Benadihi comprising four hamlets is one such village under Gana panchayat surrounded by hills and forests. About 275 families of Bhuyan and Munda communities live in this village — 200 families in Benadihi, 40 in Anarsha Sahi, 23 in Tentulipada and 12 in Munda Sahi.
The village, 20 km from the panchayat headquarters at Sahigi, has no roads but foot tracks. Locals said they face enormous hardship using forested route and crossing creeks and streams, risking dangers from wild animals.
In rainy season, their problems compound as life virtually comes to a halt with most people staying indoors. Poor people do not get PDS items in time.
Tribals here mainly depend on minor forest produce and agriculture. But they have not got land under the Forest Dwellers Act even though they have been staying here for generations. Sharing their anguish over this, they said no step has been taken to give them land pattas.
Electricity and drinking water are a dream for them. Another problem they pointed out was that influential people carry out illegal stone quarrying in forests which has affected their livelihood. They blamed the administration for its indifference to their cause.
Illegal stone quarrying is rampant in Luchakua, Mahanimai and Kalapahad hills. Large parts of forests are cleared for stone mining. They alleged that illegal stone mining had put adverse impact on Kakudiamba and other streams in their area.
It was alleged that people from outside have suppressed local people through threat tactics and with the help of the administration.
Locals said though they drew the attention of tehsil authorities, collector and sub-collectors about illegal stone quarrying, it yielded no results.
In such circumstances, the tribals are planning to move the court against illegal stone mining. Rabi Dehuri, a ward member, said, “People suffer for lack of roads. Lack of communication facility between the village and panchayat headquarters has impeded development of this village.”
Bhanja Puhan, a local resident, said, “We have been living here for ages without official land while rich people are given land on lease basis. If illegal stone mining is allowed like this, forests will be depleted. How will we survive?” he asked.
ADM Bhakta Charan Pradhan said, “Action will be taken to clamp down on illegal stone quarrying. We will take steps if we receive any complaint in this regard.” PNN
