Baliguda: For more than years more than 1000 villagers under Gadaguda panchyat in Tikabali block of Kandhamal district, life hangs on a wood log- the only means of connectivity between the villages in the panchayat and other parts of the district.
Located at a distance of 40 kilometres from the block headquarters, the wood log has been the only mode of connectivity for ten years for these villagers, who are forced to regularly risk their lives during their commute.
Adults and children are forced to walk around 35 to 40 kilometres to reach Tikabali headquarters for their daily work. However, locals say that it is not the distance, but the route that bothers them.
“The distance is not a matter of concern but we are worried students have to cross a nullah to reach their schools. The ‘nullah’ remains dry for half the year. For the rest of the year, we tie wood log to cross the nullah. It is a continuous process for the last ten years,” a local said.
Natives further alleged that despite relentless complaints raised with the concerned authorities, there has been no improvement in the situation.
The lack of connectivity is not only hampering the daily life of villagers, but also the availability of medical services.
When asked sarapanch of Gadaguda panchyat Chitaranjan Pradhan said that the villagers are using the wood log only to bring wood from the jungle. “There are also other ways to communicate with the main places of the district”, added he.
Pradhan further added that if more villagers will complain in this regard then I will take necessary steps against the matter.
PNN
