Mohana: Fed up with the administration which has failed to provide a concrete road to their villages, residents of Karchabadi panchayat under Mohana block in Gajapati district have issued a warning.
“Enough is enough. No roads, no votes,” said the agitators. The decision of the residents comes ahead of the 2019 polls. The villagers have decided to shun votes and not allow any politicians to enter villages under the panchayat until a proper road is provided.
Inhabited by 1,500 families, the panchayat comprises Rajma, Halagadi, Gudisahi, Nadrupua, Hansipui, Kantamera, Chakapadar and Repipanka villages.
Even as the panchayat is located 4 km from Mohana block office, officials have paid no heed to catering for the basic necessities. Lack of a concrete road has stagnated development in the area. The residents, mostly being tribals, have to go through a lot of hurdles due to the absence of a proper road. While most residents have migrated to urban areas, some brave the odds on a daily basis.
This has also affected the establishment of a school, an anganwadi centre, drinking water facilities, healthcare and a panchayat office. Adding to their woes is the Harabhangi river that passes through the panchayat. Locals have to trek an extra 1 km to reach the block office for their daily chores. Crossing the river to reach the road during rainy season is an uphill task for the residents.
The recent cyclonic storm Titli and subsequent floods have made matters worse.
Beside lack of basic facilities, administrative apathy has deprived over 150 persons of old age pension. Similarly, several eligible residents have been deprived of government housing schemes.
Meanwhile, block office sources said, proposals for construction of a bridge and a road have already been placed before the authorities and work would be started once funds are received.
PNN