Mayurbhanj, October 31: Residents of Badadundu Gram Panchayat under Jamda block in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district locked the panchayat office for nearly four hours on Friday, protesting against the prolonged drinking water crisis, alleged administrative apathy and lack of basic civic amenities.

The villagers alleged that contaminated water, supplied directly from the river without proper filtration, had been causing serious health problems, including diarrhoea, jaundice, stomach ailments and kidney-related illnesses. They claimed that several residents had fallen ill and one person had recently died of jaundice allegedly linked to the consumption of contaminated water.

The residents said that despite repeated complaints to the authorities, no permanent solution had been found to the problem over the past four to five years.

Mehrun Nisa, a resident of Badadundu, alleged that villagers were being forced to consume polluted water due to the administration's failure to address their grievances.

"The water we drink is extremely dirty. The Sarpanch does not do anything for us. We don't know how much government funds were sanctioned, how the money was spent or where it went. Our drainage system is completely ruined. Recently, many people have died from jaundice. People's kidneys are failing, but no one from the administration visits the village to inspect the situation," she told ANI.

Another resident, Firdous Kausar, questioned the quality of drinking water supplied to the village and alleged that there was no filtration system or adequate sanitation infrastructure.

"Look at this water. This is what is supplied to us, pumped directly from the river. Can we actually drink this? There is no filtration system. Our question to the Sarpanch and local officials is whether they would drink this water themselves. If not, why are they supplying it to us?" she said.

The villagers also questioned the utilisation of approximately Rs 1.66 crore reportedly allocated for the development of the village, alleging that the funds had not been properly utilised to address basic infrastructure requirements.

Apart from the drinking water crisis, residents highlighted the poor condition of drainage systems, inadequate sanitation facilities and the absence of essential civic amenities. They also raised concerns over delays in receiving benefits under various government welfare schemes.

Raunaq Parveen, a widow from the village, alleged that despite repeatedly approaching the authorities, she had not received financial assistance under the Harishchandra Sahayata Yojana or widow pension benefits. She also claimed that her children had fallen ill after consuming contaminated water.

"My husband is no longer around, and I have no support system. All I am asking is that the Rs 3,000 assistance under the Harishchandra scheme be granted to me and that proper, clean drinking water facilities be provided to us," she said.

During the protest, villagers surrounded the Sarpanch and locked the panchayat office, demanding answers and immediate intervention. Police personnel from Bahalda police station reached the spot and held discussions with the agitating residents.

The lock was subsequently opened after Sarpanch Sukumani Soren gave a written assurance that the drinking water problem would be resolved within 15 days.

The villagers have demanded immediate steps to ensure access to safe drinking water, improve sanitation and drainage facilities, and address the shortage of basic civic amenities.

They have also sought accountability in the utilisation of development funds and timely delivery of benefits under various government welfare schemes.