Balimela: The Revenue Inspector (RI) office in Balimela town of Malkangiri district has been functioning from a dilapidated building for years, with rainwater leaking through the roof and disrupting official work.
The nearly 43-year-old office building, which also houses the RI’s residence, reportedly lacks proper maintenance.
During rainfall, water seeps through the roof, putting important records at risk of damage and making it difficult for officials and staff to work.
Residents dependent on the Balimela revenue circle, comprising 15 revenue villages and 17 hamlets, are also affected.
Staff have been using tarpaulins over the roof to prevent leakage, but strong winds and heavy rain often damage or displace them.
Although funds have been sanctioned for construction of a new RI office building, the project is yet to begin.
According to the Rural Development Department, a tender was floated for the proposed building at an estimated cost of Rs 46.72 lakh.
The work order was issued after the tender process, with construction scheduled to begin November 17, 2025, and be completed by May 16, 2026.
However, more than five months after the scheduled completion date, construction has not started
