Patrapur: Sub-Collector Shinde Dattatraya Bhausaheb of Ganjam district rolled up his sleeves and headed towards the far-flung areas crossing a river and wading through knee-deep water to review the problems of Ankuli panchayat villagers under Patrapur block who lived in an inaccessible area.
Worth mentioning, 75 tribal families in the region have been facing several difficulties due to lack of road access following construction of a medium irrigation project at Baghalati under Patrapur tehsil. Cyclone Titli had further worsened their situation. Adding to their woes, incessant rain August 31 triggered a flash flood.
Soon after the news surfaced, the IAS officer accompanied by Patrapur tehsildar reached Beheraput village by crossing Baghalati reservoir on a powerboat, Sunday. After discussing with the locals about their problems, the bureaucrat again left for Shrigonda village to take stock by crossing Bahuda river.
Thereafter, he headed to the panchayat crossing a nullah and later wading through knee-deep water and held a meeting with the villagers. The sub-Collector also identified a land near Jhagadapalli for rehabilitation of affected villagers. He also assured people of three other affected villages of rehabilitation.
The sub-Collector advised the 75 families of the panchayat to leave their native place and stay in a plateau area, as it is impossible to provide all types of economic facilities in hilly areas. He identified Amalagumma and Maduagumma for shifting the 75 families and promised them all welfare schemes, including housing, after their displacement.
PNN