TV
The Budhabalanga River continues to erode its banks, putting more than 300 families in grave danger. This is not a problem of a day or two but a long-standing crisis that villagers have repeatedly reported to leaders and ministers without receiving any effective solution. Desperate for help, residents finally took their plea to the district Collector, who has now promised action.
Following instructions to submit a report within 24 hours, a survey has already begun. At several points along the riverbank, strong currents are reportedly eating away at the land. Continuous rainfall has further raised the water level, heightening fears among villagers. As the soil crumbles into deep gorges, locals worry that the river water may soon breach their settlements.
The collapsing embankments show how dangerously close the Budhabalanga River is to nearby villages. This alarming situation is unfolding in Kalapathar panchayat under Shamakhunta block of Mayurbhanj district. Residents of Chanabadia and Akharashila villages say they are left with no option but despair. Unless a permanent stone embankment is constructed, they warn, disaster is inevitable.
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"The situation is very dangerous. Chanabadia is getting flooded. The roads have been washed away. Though we have been informing the administration about the situation for years, no action has been taken," said Kabula Nayak, a villager.
"Two villages will be washed away. Had the administration taken action earlier, this situation might not have occurred. We have faith in this government. We request the government to protect the villagers with stone packing," said Arun Kumar Behera, another resident.
According to locals, the villages of Chanabadia and Akharashila once stood more than 200 meters away from the Budhabalanga River. However, that distance has now shrunk by nearly 100 meters. Villagers fear that if floods occur, the entire settlement could be swallowed by the river.
Despite repeatedly informing local representatives, both orally and in writing, no concrete steps have been taken so far. Residents allege that while some government officials have visited the area for inspections, their actions have been limited to paperwork.
In recent days, continuous rainfall has worsened the erosion along the riverbanks. The road connecting the villages to the riverbank is also on the verge of being washed away.
"No action has been taken during the tenure of the previous Congress and BJD governments. They only gave us false assurances but never delivered," lamented Rabindra Nayak, another villager.
After villagers escalated the matter to the District Collector, officials assured them that immediate measures would be taken.
"Already, a team has visited the spot and prepared an estimate. A joint team with a revenue official and an irrigation officer will visit the area. The technical team will study if there is any imminent danger. If required, necessary actions will be taken to prevent the breach," said Mayurbhanj Collector Hemakanta Say.
