Drinking water crisis hits much before summer, irate residents block road with buckets

The peak summer is yet to arrive. However, people in parts of Odisha have already started to face water scarcity. In a glaring example is the plight of the villagers of Keshara, situated in Mohana block of Gajapati district.

The situation is so grim that the residents had to resort to protest due to an ongoing water scarcity in the region. The residents of Ward 4 have been vocal about their struggle to secure drinking water since long.

Men and women from the village gathered to block a significant road between Mohana and Badagada in the neighbouring district of Ganjam. The protestors symbolically used empty water buckets to block the road and express their grievances.

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“We are facing lot of problems due to lack of water. There is irregularity in water supply. Other areas are getting water, but we are deprived,” alleged a protestor. 

Major Traffic Disruption

The demonstration has led to severe disruption of traffic, leaving numerous vehicles stranded on both sides of the road. Local residents report that this crisis has persisted for two years without any substantial intervention from the authorities.

“Last year, we had gheraoed the block. The BDO sanctioned tube-well and the later officials said that there was no source here. As the locality is located at a height, there is problem in getting water supply,” said a woman who was part of the dharna.

 Another protester said, “No official is paying heed to our grievances. We will continue with our agitation till administrative officials come to the spot and hold talks with us.”

No comments could be obtained from senior administrative officials regarding the grievances and allegations of the residents.