Dahinal Pada Grapples with Lack of Basic Amenities; Residents Struggle with Drinking Water Crisis and Poor Road Connectivity

Khariar, 03/07 Residents of Dahinal Pada, a hamlet under Uppita village in Lanji Gram Panchayat of Khariar Block in Odisha’s Nuapada district, have been facing severe hardship for years due to the lack of basic civic amenities. The acute shortage of safe drinking water and the absence of a proper access road have emerged as the community’s most pressing concerns. Despite repeated appeals to the local administration, no permanent solution has been provided, leading to growing dissatisfaction among the villagers. According to local residents, the main road connecting Dahinal Pada has remained neglected for a long time. During the monsoon season, the route becomes extremely difficult to navigate, while the persistent shortage of drinking water continues to disrupt daily life. Villagers have urged the authorities to intervene immediately and address these long-pending issues. Responding to the matter, Khariar Block Chairperson Pushpanjali Nanda stated that the road leading to Dahinal Pada does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Block Administration or the Revenue Department. Instead, it is entirely under the control of the Forest Department. Owing to legal restrictions governing forest land, the administration is unable to undertake the construction of a permanent paved road. However, she clarified that the existing forest pathway used by residents remains functional and that there are no major obstacles to regular movement. She further assured that the drinking water problem in Dahinal Pada has been taken seriously and that necessary steps will be initiated at the earliest to provide a permanent solution. The villagers, meanwhile, have expressed hope that the administration’s assurance will soon translate into concrete action, bringing long-awaited relief to the community.