Keonjhar: Daitari Naik, (known as Canal Man of Odisha), expressed concern over the sorry state of 10 villages under Bansapal and Harichandanpur blocks in Keonjhar District. People of these villages residing in hilly and forest terrains have been suffering in the absence of basic facilities.
The 70-year-old tribal man of Baitarani under Banspal block met Collector Ashish Thakre Tuesday and demanded development of villages such as Tala Baitarani, Talabaruda, Jantari Kerketa Sahi, Talajantari, Raidiha, Dumuria, Naiguda, Toranipokhari, Talasumatha, Danadasenapasi and Duarsuni.
These villages are inhabited by tribal communities like Juanga and Bhuyan.
In his memorandum, Nayak said the children of poor tribals could get education if a hostel is set up at Jantari. He also pointed out that drinking water has been a perennial problem at Talabaitarani, Talabaruda, Jantari Kerketa Sahi, Talajantari where solar systems can be made use of to supply water to people.
Pointing out that healthcare is not accessible to people living in all these area, Nayak said the government should establish a healthcare centre at Talabaitarani so that people in 25 forested and hilly villages can get healthcare facilities.
He demanded a black-topped road, bridge and road connectivity and electricity for Talabaitarani.
Another major demand he made is setting up of a science college at Talabaitarani so that students of Gonasika, Baragad, Junga and Buxibarigan panchayats can have higher education.
Nayak also pressed for a livestock centre at Talabaitarani, apart from road connectivity under PMGSY from Talabaitarani to Khuntabandh and a check dam at Karatakata creek.
Notably, Nayak came to limelight for having carved out a three-km long canal through a mountain with a hoe and crowbar.
He was successful in bringing stream water to his farmland by breaking rocks over years.
PNN