Villagers lock Odisha panchayat office over water and amenity issues
Residents of Badadundu Gram Panchayat protested against contaminated water, poor drainage, and the alleged misuse of development funds.
Residents of Badadundu Gram Panchayat in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district locked the panchayat office for nearly four hours on October 31. The protesters were demonstrating against a prolonged drinking water crisis, lack of basic civic amenities, and alleged administrative apathy.
Villagers alleged that water is pumped directly from the river without filtration, causing illnesses such as diarrhoea, jaundice, and kidney ailments. They claimed one person recently died of jaundice, which they linked to the contaminated water.
Resident Mehrun Nisa alleged that the local administration has failed to address grievances and that the drainage system is ruined. She also questioned the use of government funds and noted that the Sarpanch has not taken action.
Villagers also questioned the utilisation of approximately Rs 1.66 crore reportedly allocated for village development. They alleged these funds were not used to meet basic requirements.
Raunaq Parveen, a local widow, alleged that she has not received widow pension benefits or the Rs 3,000 under the Harishchandra Sahayata Yojana. She also stated her children fell ill after drinking the water.
Officers from Bahalda police station arrived at the scene to talk with the protesters. The office was unlocked after Sarpanch Sukumani Soren provided a written assurance that the water issue would be resolved within 15 days.