Over 30 tribal villages in Odisha 'neglected', residents living 'primitive' life

In an unfortunate state of affairs, many villages in Odisha are still living without basic amenities. Alarming reports in this regard surfaced from several regions in the Mayurbhanj district, near the Similipal foothills, where as many as 35 tribal villages reportedly remain isolated.

Ground visuals featured shut schools, lack of access to electricity or clean water, and virtually non-existent roads. The situation has come to the fore at a time when several regions of Odisha are witnessing rapid development.

Sources reported that people in Udiabasa village of Mayurbhanj suffer from a lack of clean drinking water supply. Despite having tube wells and water tanks under the state government’s Basudha Scheme, the water is allegedly contaminated with iron, making it undrinkable.

Similarly, electric poles stand idle with only the wires hanging and no power supply in place. Similarly, schools have been allegedly closed for over five years now owing to a lack of basic facilities and skilled teachers, leaving primary education at a standstill.

“We do not have any water or electricity facilities. Our kids cannot go to school as there is no proper road. During rains, the mud roads get flooded and it completely cuts us off from the outside world,” alleged Manas Ranjan Ray, a local tribal from Udiabasa.

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Similar scenes were also reported from Koraput district where villages like Ganthiguda and Ucheipoda were trapped in neglect. Roads in these areas are muddy and stony, making it difficult for vehicles, including ambulances, to pass. Distressingly, locals also alleged that pregnant women and the sick often have to be carried by hand during emergencies.

Further, in these villages, around 90 families depend on polluted spring water for their daily needs, leading to frequent illnesses.

“We have no roads, water, or electricity. No Anganwadi facilities are available here as well. Neither can we go anywhere nor can our kids dream of a proper future,” claimed Danu Durliya, a villager from Ucheipoda.

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Frustrated by repeated unfulfilled promises, the villagers also boycotted the 2024 elections in protest.

Meanwhile, Jayanta Meher, Lamtaput BDO acknowledged the woes of the villagers but attributed the lack of roads to causing a slowdown in developmental projects.

“The PWD Department has taken charge of making the roads in the area. We are aware of the problems and have already discussed them with senior officials. Once there is connectivity, all such issues will be addressed promptly,” he added.