Over 3 years on, mega water project displaced families wallow in neglect in Odisha’s Keonjhar

More than three years after they were displaced for the mega water project in Kanpur of Keonjhar district, residents of Dhabalabeda Jharana Sahi say their lives still remain trapped in hardship.

Also Read: Tension grips Tata Steel Jajpur plant as displaced families engage in face-off with security guards

Despite moving voluntarily to government-created rehabilitation colonies, families claim the administration has failed to provide even the most basic facilities.

There are no proper roads, electricity, drinking water supply, or civic amenities in the designated rehabilitation colonies. During the rains, water from the nearby hill flows directly into their houses.

Villagers also allege that without land pattas, they cannot obtain residential proof or access government benefits. With no livelihood opportunities, many are forced to migrate outside the district and work as daily-wage labourers.

The displacement, part of a project that affected residents of 17 villages, was once met with promises of a better future. But villagers say those assurances have now vanished, leaving them to face daily struggles.

Meanwhile, the Project Director-cum-Resettlement & Rehabilitation (PDR&R) officer of the Kanpur project has stated that road access, survey-related work, and distribution of land Pattas (Records of Right) will be taken up soon.

When contacted, the PDR&R Nagendra Majhi stated, “We have already prepared an estimate for a road project to sort out the main problem which they had. Last year, we had got the plan approved by the District Collector. Tender for the project was also previously floated, and construction work will begin soon.”

“Moreover, Barbil tehsildar has already prepared nearly 36 land Pattas. The documents will be distributed soon. After distribution of the land Pattas, work orders as sanctioned under different rural housing schemes will be handed over,” Nagendra Majhi added.

Reported By: Sanjib Kumar Munda