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Roads are still a dream for them

BERHAMPUR: Archaic Oriya words ‘Pithia Balad’ or ‘Thoria Balad’ are still a reality for inhabitants of 11 inaccessible villages of Daringbadi block in Kandhamal district.

Roads are still a dream for these eleven villages which are under the Sirkabarga panchayat of Daringbadi block. This panchayat falls adjacent to the Daringbadi-Brahmanigaon ghat road. But one has to cross two to three hills by foot to reach these villages like Manikjodi, Kukudingi, Banjamaha, Katadamaha, Sapanbadi, Badangia, Hatanbadi, Ganjamaha, Katidimaha etc.

The tribal inhabitants of these inaccessible areas trade in forest produce and turmeric.

Their only mode of transportation to carry their goods to market is bullocks and donkeys. They relive the memory of centuries’ old traders.

The bullocks and other animals used specifically for the transportation of goods for trading were called ‘Pithia Balad’ or ‘Thoria Balad’. ‘Thoria Sahi’ a famous street in Cuttack received its name as centuries’ back these animals were being tied up in the area by the traders.

But it is a disgrace that even in the 21st century compulsion of lack of communication has kept these Oriya words alive among these poor tribals.

Lack of communication to these 11 villages is also the root cause of underdevelopment of the area. Drinking water shortage, schools that never open up regularly and lack of medical facility are part of life at these villages. Provision of subsidised rice, kerosene and other essential commodities through the Public Distribution System also suffers as transportation of age old era has to be used. Patients have to be carried on cots to the nearest health centres.

The inhabitants of these 11 villages have now come together to strengthen their demand for proper roads to their villages.

They have formed an organisation, Panchayat Unnayan Committee. They have given an ultimatum to administration to take steps for construction of roads to their villages within next three weeks.

They have decided to start peaceful agitation if it is not done by then. The secretary of the organisation, Trilochan Patmajhi said,

“We are waiting for roads since 1980 when some road work was started in the area but this time we have decided not to sit silent till roads become a reality for us.

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