Post News Network
Gudari, Nov 25: Residents of Pahadigaon Bhanjanagar under this block in Rayagada district have a harrowing time for last four days as several houses in the village have reportedly been catching fire automatically.
Besides, villagers alleged stone pieces fell on their houses from nowhere and they are in a state of panic over the incident.
While people started practicing rituals fearing divine wrath, others were seen keeping water containers ready to prevent repetition of the incident.
Though the matter was brought to the notice of the administration, no measure has been taken, villagers said. Resentment is brewing in the locality as the police and administration prefer to keep mum in this regard, a report said.
According to reports, the village on the foothills of Mandatali is home to about 25 families of Kondh community. Broken pieces of stones, bricks and soil reportedly fell on the houses Friday. While people were yet to come to terms with the incident, some houses caught fire Sunday. The incident continued Monday, the tribals said.
In one such incident, villager Tar Kimbaka carried out a yajna Monday to mark his house warming. But his neighbour’s under-construction thatched house suddenly caught fire the same day. This was due to a flash from incense sticks. The flame was doused by the villagers. Soon after, a few more houses also caught fire.
Interestingly, lower portions of roofs were seen burnt in firing while outer parts of the roofs remained unaffected, a report said. Two houses in the hamlet Tuesday caught fire on four occasions at regular intervals and people managed to douse it as they had kept enough water in reserve to avert such eventuality.
Most of the residents live in fear and have placed water pots on their roofs to extinguish fire. Besides, water drums have been kept at some points to control fire. Apart from that, foods are no more being prepared in kitchens. Women have been asked to cook at a nearby open field to reduce chances of fire mishaps, villagers said.
Some elderly women including Praska Kimbaka said such incidents were unheard of in the past and they might be due to a divine wrath.
Naveen Tukuruka said he got a divine ordain Monday night about the fire mishap of Tuesday. The villagers Tuesday worshiped their presiding deity and sprinkled holy water on their houses with neem leaves.
When contacted, block development officer Nagbhusan said he is aware of the development. The administration is ready to help people even in the dead of night, he said.
However, locals alleged the administration forgets its duty after assurances.
