Decades of promises, still no progress; Odisha village lacks basic amenities

Hidden in the dense hills and forests of Odisha’s Sundargarh district lies Anteitola, a small tribal village where time seems to have stood still. Despite being part of India for over seven decades since independence, this village still struggles for the most basic amenities — roads, clean drinking water, electricity, education, and healthcare.

Located about 40 km from Koida block headquarters, Anteitola is home to over 250 people from 50 families, mostly tribal. Surrounded by thick forests and steep hills, the village remains cut off from administrative reach and development, though villagers vote regularly in every election.

Nature’s Beauty, People’s Misery

The natural surroundings are picturesque, with gurgling streams and lush greenery. But behind this beauty lies the pain of neglect. There is no proper road to the village; people walk through forests and streams to reach the nearest market or health center. One tubewell exists, but it rarely works, forcing women to fetch water from distant streams and rivers.

“We don’t have clean drinking water. We walk miles to fetch water daily. We do not have roads and electricity,” says Nangara Munda, a villager.

Another village said, “We have submitted memoranda, but no step has been taken so far.”

Politicians come with promises during elections, but forget everything once they win, alleged another resident.

Education in Ruins

Education here is symbolic at best. Though a primary school (Class 1–5) exists, it functions in an old, unsafe building. Children sit in fear of the crumbling structure, with no guarantee of learning or safety.

“We study in a broken house. If it rains, we stay home,” says Sama Munda, a student.

Worse still, many children have never seen a television or mobile phone, as electricity has not yet reached the village. Multiple complaints to the administration have yielded no results.

“How will we watch TV or use a mobile without electricity?” questioned a student.

A Forgotten Promise?

Healthcare is practically non-existent. With no transport or road access, villagers often carry the sick on makeshift stretchers to nearby centers. During emergencies, lives are lost before help can arrive.

When OTV contacted Suranjan Kumar Sahu, the project director in Sundargarh, he acknowledged the situation and assured immediate intervention to address the issues of electricity, water, and school safety.

“We will ensure that the roads will be approved this year. We can start during the monsoon with the approval of the gram sabha. Odisha government will take steps to provide electricity to unconnected villages,” said Sahu.

The plight of Anteitola raises serious questions about rural governance and the effectiveness of welfare schemes. As villagers continue to live in 2025 with 1950s conditions, their only hope is that this time, promises will not be forgotten.