Keonjhar, May 1: Tension prevailed in Dehurisahi village under Bailo Panchayat of Anandpur block after hundreds of women staged a protest on Friday, alleging lack of drinking water supply despite installation of household pipeline connections.

According to reports, villagers gathered near the local water tank and launched a sit-in agitation, demanding immediate supply of water to their area. The protesters warned that they would continue their demonstration until water starts flowing through the taps.

Residents alleged that the water supply project was initiated nearly a year ago. While neighbouring habitations are reportedly receiving water, Dehurisahi is yet to be covered under the supply network. Despite repeated appeals to concerned officials, no effective steps have been taken, they claimed.

Villagers further stated that for the past two decades, they have been dependent on a nearby river for drinking water. They expressed resentment, alleging that even after informing the sarpanch, they have only received assurances without any concrete action.

With the summer heat intensifying, the situation has worsened, making it difficult for families to manage daily water needs. The agitating women warned of intensifying their protest, including road blockades and a possible Odisha bandh, if their demands are not met soon.

The villagers are now awaiting a response from the authorities regarding their long-pending grievance.