Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Udala, Feb 15:

Even after 69 years of Independence, the residents of Jalda village under Udala block in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district are struggling for basic amenities like electricity and road connectivity.

students wading through river

Like many other villages in the country, this village in Kaptipada area is a victim of government apathy. Just 3 kms from Udala Sadar, the village does not have a road and the villagers, including pregnant women, children and elderly, are forced to wade through the Sona River.

The village inhabited by 150 families, out of which 100 families are below poverty line boasts of a primary school and an anganwadi centre.

The students who want to continue their studies above class five need to cross the river to other villages. Sadly, they are unable to attend school during the rainy season.

Life becomes very difficult during the monsoon season when the river overflows, the villagers have to travel 15 kms to go to Udala.

No ambulance service is available to the villagers and the sick have to be carried on cots across the river to seek medical help.

The village also does not have electricity facility. Ironically, electric poles are in place and a transformer has been set up in the village but hasn’t been electrified. The villagers have approached the district collector, sub collector and top officials of electric department but to no avail. The village also has three tube wells of which two are defunct. The villagers are therefore forced to drink river water.

Udala BDO, Sucharu Kumar, when questioned about Jalda village problem, assured that proper action will be taken and he will attract government attention towards building a bridge connecting the village. He also said he will get the tube wells repaired, if necessary get new tube wells dug and get electricity connection in the village.