Khandapara: Even as the government pumps in crores of rupees for the development of tribal villages, many inaccessible and remote pockets are left in utter neglect. A case in point is the tribal-dominated Tinkachua village under Khandapara NAC in Nayagarh district.
Cut off from the rest of the world by hills and terrains, tribals here still live in the dark age as the village is deprived of basic benefits. Accommodating around 20 families, the village is home to around 50-70 tribals including women and children.
Lack of a concrete road has added to the problems of tribals due to which they are unable to get access to electricity, electricity, medical facilities and other benefits provided by the government.
Surrounded by hills, the villagers have to trek miles to arrive at the local block office for daily essentials. Moreover, with no source of income, the tribals here depend on forest produce for a living. They fetch bamboo and make bamboo crafts that they sell for a living.
A tiny pond dug in a farm serves for drinking and bathing purposes for tribals as there is no tubewell sunk in the village.
Electricity supply to the village has been a distant dream. Even as the Prime Minister boasted of electrification of all villages in the country, not even a single electric pole is put in the village, forget about power supply.
Locals have to depend on kerosene and oil lamps after sunset. They fear to come out their houses at night. Many have lost their lives due to snakebites at night.
Despite repeated pleas with the administration, not even a single government official has put their feet in the hilltop village to take stock of the condition of tribals. They demanded that the administration took notice of their plight and initiated immediate steps to provide basic facilities to them.
PNN