Villagers Risk Lives Crossing Swollen Stream in Rayagada’s Gudari Block
GUDARI : Residents of Panchupandab village under the Pendili Gram Panchayat in Rayagada district’s Gudari block are facing severe distress as they are forced to cross a swollen stream by risking their lives amid continuous heavy rainfall.
Key Highlights of the Situation
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Perilous Daily Commute: Following over 36 hours of relentless downpours, the stream near the village has overflowed with a heavy current. With no alternative route available, villagers—including farmers returning from paddy fields and hill slope farming—must wade through the rushing waters.
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Vulnerable Groups at Risk: Women, small children, youth, and elderly residents are all braving the dangerous currents daily, creating constant fear of someone being swept away.
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Unresolved Demands for a Bridge: Despite the recurring crisis every monsoon, a permanent solution remains elusive. The villagers have repeatedly urged the administration to construct a bridge over the stream.
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Appeals to Authorities: Local youths previously traveled to Bhubaneswar to present the grievance at the Chief Minister’s public grievance hearing, yet no satisfactory response or action has been provided so far.
Local Demands
Expressing deep anxiety over safety, residents questioned who would be held responsible if an untoward incident occurs while crossing the stream. The villagers have strongly demanded that the administration intervene and construct a bridge immediately to permanently resolve their transportation hardships before a major disaster strikes.
