No end to struggle for these Odisha villages as basic amenities still their daydream

The absence of essential services such as roads, electricity, mobile connectivity, and clean water still remains a significant hurdle for villagers in rural areas across Odisha. Even as the world has already reached 7G, hundreds of villagers are still deprived of mobile connectivity in this Instagram and WhatsApp era.

A deep dive into the realities of these villages shows development is only limited to urban towns while villagers are still eluded from basic facilities even after 77 years of Independence. These basic infrastructures are not merely luxuries; they are necessary for daily life and development.

Despite ambitious plans and schemes announced by state and central governments, the reality in several villages calls into question the effectiveness and reach of such programmes. This report sheds light on these villages, prompting critical reflection on the implementation of state-sponsored programmes.

This raises an unsettling question- who are the government initiatives/schemes truly reaching?

Life Beneath a Tree: The Resilience of Charigharia's People 

In the village of Charigharia, nestled within Satabhaya Panchayat in Kendrapara district, hope sprouts under the broad canopy of trees. With the local Anganwadi centre partially collapsed due to storms, little children continue their education under the shade of a tree. With no hope of early repair of the Anganwadi centre, the trees have become new Anganwadi centre for the kids here.

Charigharia is home to more than 600 residents comprising 120 families, who face daily challenges due to lack of basic infrastructure. All pathways remain unpaved, complicating commutes and access. Furthermore, the absence of permanent land titles has hindered villagers’ ability to construct resilient housing. Access to proper drinking water remains a distant dream for the villagers here.

Village in Mayurbhanj Struggles for Basic Amenities 

The condition in this Mayurbhanj village is no different. In the isolated village of Ralibeda, nestled in the Kusumi block of Mayurbhanj district, residents face a daily battle over drinking water accessibility. The absence of nearby ponds or streams forces villagers to drink murky water from a local marsh.

Those, who fall ill, again face a daunting journey of 30 kilometres to reach the nearest healthcare centre. Basic infrastructure remains inadequate, with the village lacking both roads and electricity. Solar lights, installed seven years ago, have since fallen into disrepair.

In a shocking testament to their plight, villagers' journey across the state lines into Jharkhand merely to charge their mobile phones.

When approached for comment, the SDM of Rairangpur refrained from speaking on camera. However, he claimed that efforts are underway to address these pressing issues.

Model Village Presents A Paradox:

Tentuliaadia village in Chandbali Block, Bhadrak district, Odisha, presents a paradox. Despite its designation as a model village, over 400 families are battling grave infrastructural challenges.

Among the significant concerns is the Anganwadi Centre, which operates out of rented facilities. Children are compelled to attend classes in a semi-collapsed school building, posing serious safety hazards.

The absence of permanent housing for villagers further compounds their struggles. Though there is a provision for drinking water, its supply remains inconsistent, affecting daily life. As per the villagers, special funds had been allocated to revitalise the local pond. However, the contractor allegedly embezzled the fund, leaving villagers to depend on unclean water.