Mahakalpada: More than 1,000 labourers of this block in Kendrapara district, who went to work at Paradip industrial estate, got stuck there after communication between Bahakuda and Mahanadi ferry ghat was disrupted Wednesday due to an engine breakdown in both the motorised boats engaged in passenger service.
Most of the labourers belong to Kharinasi, Baulakana, Barakandha and Petchhela panchayats of Mahakalapada block. The families of the labourers are in a state of panic as there were no signs of the return of the men. The leaseholders who were awarded the contract to operate the boats couldn’t be contacted.
Similarly, people of Paradip and other regions were also found stranded at Bahakud ferry ghat due to interruption in boat service. Many of them had to travel to places like Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kujang and Kolkata, it was learnt. “I am sure I cannot catch a train,” said Indrajit Mandal who had to board a Kolkata-bound train.
Other people including Sunil Roy, Ami Talukdar, Arun Mandal, Nabaghan Behera expressed resentment over the indifference of the administration regarding the issue.
According to sources, engines of both the boats got damaged after they were hit by high tides caused by strong wind from southern direction.
When contacted, block development officer Kailash Chandra Behera said he came to know about the problem. The lease holders should make alternative arrangements to resume the passenger service, he added.
The administration would take action soon, the BDO further said. PNN
