People in rural belts of Odisha continue to be the victims of alleged apathy of government and are deprived even of basic communication facilities. On a regular basis, over a 1000 residents of Kunjibadi village in Kalahandi district are risking their lives to cross the Bagadi river.
In the absence of a bridge, the villagers were seen crossing the river with the help of ropes tied to trees on both sides to avail the basic amenities.
According to sources, locals of Bagadi, Badali, Srakapanga, Minamilu, Madiraha, Pudripada, Sugamaha and Bandisapadara villages have to wade through waist-deep water to go the other side for basic facilities like education, healthcare, market and work.
Every time the area witnesses incessant rainfall, the river swells leaving the villages cut-off from the mainland. Children, women, and elderly, everyone is bearing the brunt of the apathy.
The villagers claim that they have apprised the concerned administration numerous times but no action has been taken in this regard as yet.
Meanwhile, the Block Development officer (BDO) of K.Nuagaon said the administration is concerned about the problems of villagers and a proposal has been made for construction of bridge over the river.