Villagers in Bhitarkanika complain of poor roads

KENDRAPADA: Around 50,000 villagers of Khamarasahi, Dangamal, Krushnanagar, Talachua, Baghamari, Rangani and Keruapala gram panchayats within Bhitarakanika National Park and nearby areas in Kendrapada district are facing problems due to lack of proper roads.
“The condition of roads is so deplorable that it takes a long time to go from one village to another village. Stagnant water and potholes are making it tough for commuters to travel on the roads. The government had announced several developmental projects for Bhitarkanika villages but few were implemented,” alleged Nandadulal Parida, sarpanch of Krushnanagar.
“Due to substandard repair and construction of the main roads and lanes, most are replete with hundreds of potholes. Villagers, who mostly depend on agriculture and pisciculture, find it difficult to sell their products, particularly perishable items, as it takes a long time to reach the nearby Rajnagar and Pattamundai towns,” said Saroj Mandal of Talachua village.
“Repeated pleas to the panchayat bodies and other officials have fallen on deaf ears,” said Ashok Behera of Dangamal village.
Natabar Pradhan, assistant executive engineer, roads and buildings department (Rajnagar), said, “The road from Nalitapatia to Talchua will be repaired at a cost of Rs 12 crore. We have recently invited tenders for the work. The repair work will be started after finalisation of the tender.”