‘Faulty culvert design causes waterlogging’: Villagers plant paddy seedlings on muddy road in Odisha’s Deogarh

In an unusual protest against the alleged neglect of a village road, residents of Begunianali in Deogarh district planted paddy seedlings on Friday on a muddy stretch of road to draw attention to their long-pending demand for repairs. Also Read: Villagers plant paddy saplings on muddy road to protest lack of pucca road in Kandhamal The protest was staged on the Begunianali-Jarisahi road under Gundiapali panchayat in Riamal block. According to the villagers, the road has deteriorated badly, with mud reportedly accumulating to knee-deep levels at several places. Residents have alleged that faulty design of a nearby culvert, coupled with poor-quality construction work , has contributed to the accumulation of water and mud on the road. The deteriorated condition has made daily commuting difficult for hundreds of people who depend on the route. The villagers claimed that they have repeatedly approached the authorities and submitted complaints seeking repair of the road. However, despite their appeals, no effective action has been taken to resolve the problem, they alleged. Frustrated over the continued neglect, a group of residents came onto the waterlogged and muddy road and planted paddy seedlings as a symbolic protest. Through the unusual demonstration, they sought to highlight the extent of the road’s deterioration and the difficulties faced by commuters. The residents have demanded immediate intervention from the local authorities and proper repair of the muddy road. They also urged officials to address the alleged construction-related issues responsible for the persistent waterlogging and muddy conditions. The protest has brought renewed attention to the condition of rural roads in the area and the difficulties faced by villagers during the monsoon season. No comments were received from the local administration in this regard. Reported By: Siddharth Guru