Puri battles ant invasion; daily life disrupted, health hazards rise

An alarming ant infestation has thrown daily life out of gear in several villages of the Nimapada tehsil in Puri district. The situation has turned so severe that residents say the unchecked spread of biting red and black ants has made it nearly impossible to cook, sleep, or even carry out routine chores.

According to reports, the infestation is most prominent in Sahadapada village in the Bahanga police station limits. Locals have also made repeated appeals to the administration, but claim that they have gone unheard.

Three Years of Growing Ant Menace

Sources stated that located along the banks of the Bhargavi River, Sahadapada has been battling a steadily worsening ant problem for over three years.

Following the recent spells of rain, ant colonies have reportedly taken over homes, trees, courtyards, and even food storage areas.

“There is not a single surface in the village without ants. It has become impossible to sit or rest as ants have crawled under beds and taken over floors as well as empty spaces,” said Urmila Das, a resident, adding that villagers now have to line every surface with insecticide chalk or pesticide powder just to keep the ants at bay.

Several women have reported being unable to fetch water or climb trees to collect coconuts due to painful ant bites. More worryingly, multiple residents have begun showing signs of skin infections caused by frequent ant stings.

70+ Families Affected, No Relief Yet

According to estimates, more than 70 families in the village have been impacted. Locals allege that they repeatedly informed the administration about the problem, but no concrete action was taken.

“We had raised this issue months ago, but no one listened. Even now, when the situation has spun out of control, the administration is yet to respond,” alleged Duryodhan Behera, another affected villager.

Administrative Response After Media Highlight

Responding to the growing public outcry, Manoj Pradhan, Tehsildar of Nimapada, acknowledged the severity of the problem and said the issue would be addressed in coordination with the Agriculture Department.

“We have taken note of the situation in Sahadapada and adjoining areas close to the Bhargavi river in Bahanga. A meeting has been scheduled with concerned departments, and immediate remedial measures will be taken,” he said.