Villagers of Jhumpura renew appeal to CM over flooding, damaged roads, safety concerns

By Arendra Kumar Giri

Keonjhar, Feb. 15: Residents of several villages under Jhumpura block in Keonjhar district have renewed their appeal to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, alleging that a series of civic and infrastructure problems raised months ago remain unresolved.

Villagers, including members of tribal and Scheduled Caste communities, said they had earlier submitted complaints regarding local infrastructure but have seen no corrective action in the past three to four months. They have now approached the government again, seeking urgent intervention.

Flooding and farmland damage

According to residents of Solguda village, a gate constructed near the Ardei river has worsened monsoon flooding. During the rainy season, river water reportedly enters nearby agricultural fields, causing soil erosion and damage to standing crops. Farmers say repeated flooding has made cultivation increasingly difficult.

Waterlogging has also been reported on the road in front of the village school, forcing children to wade through stagnant rainwater to attend classes. Villagers expressed concern over safety and health risks, especially during peak monsoon months.

Roads and bridge approaches in poor condition

Residents pointed to multiple dangerous stretches on the road leading to Solguda, describing them as accident-prone “dark spots.” They also highlighted the deteriorating approach roads to a bridge built two to three years ago over the Ardei river near Dudkundi village. Continuous rainwater flow has eroded both sides of the bridge road, creating depressions estimated at three to four feet deep.

Villagers say the damaged stretches make daily travel risky, particularly for schoolchildren, elderly residents, and two-wheeler riders.

Demand for traffic signals near highway junction

Another major concern is a junction near Bishnupur village on the western side of Highway No. 520 close to Jhumpura police station. Residents claim frequent accidents occur at the intersection due to the absence of traffic signals or warning systems. They have demanded installation of proper signals and safety infrastructure to prevent further mishaps.

Despite bringing the issues to the notice of senior officials earlier, villagers allege that no concrete measures have been taken so far.

Expressing hope in the state administration, community representatives have once again urged the Chief Minister to personally intervene and ensure quick redressal of the problems affecting everyday life in the block.