District Collector Reviews Rain-Related Situation in Ghatbasuli Village, Directs Officials to Take Prompt Action on Villagers’ Grievances

Nabarangpur Aug 28 [UDN}:District Collector and District Magistrate Dr. Maheswar Swain visited Ghatbasuli village under Ukiapalli Gram Panchayat in Kosagumuda block to assess the situation arising from heavy rainfall over the past few days and review safety measures for local residents.
Due to heavy rain, communication between Ghatbasuli village and Bargaan had been temporarily disrupted since last night. Water accumulation and rising water levels near a vulnerable location close to the confluence of the Indravati and Bhaskel rivers affected the movement of villagers and connectivity with the main road.
After reaching Ghatbasuli, the Collector discussed the situation with the Kosagumuda BDO and Kodinga Tahsildar. He took stock of the immediate measures taken by the administration, including shifting families living in rain-damaged houses to safer locations wherever necessary, as well as the health and safety of affected families.
The Collector toured various parts of the village along with residents and inspected CC roads, the newly constructed Anganwadi Centre, rain-damaged houses and other public infrastructure. He interacted directly with villagers and enquired about the condition of pregnant women, the safety of livestock and other domestic animals, and damage caused to agricultural land and crops due to the heavy rainfall.
Emphasis on Basic Amenities and Public Welfare
The Collector directed the Kosagumuda BDO to gradually convert the village’s muddy and unpaved roads into concrete roads to strengthen connectivity. He also advised officials to construct an adequate number of individual and community cattle shelters to protect cattle and other domestic animals during heavy rain and adverse weather.
He directed officials to survey all kutcha and mud houses in the village, identify eligible families and include them in the Antyodaya Housing Survey. Families whose houses have been damaged or are in unsafe condition should be shifted, as required, to nearby schools or Panchayat offices, with their safety ensured.
The Kodinga Tahsildar was instructed to distribute sufficient tarpaulins among damaged and needy families. Directions were also issued to restore and renovate the old village pond and make it properly usable by villagers and livestock. The BDO was further asked to take necessary steps for construction of an Alekh Mahima community hall at the old site, subject to feasibility and existing provisions.
Focus on Market Linkages for Local Agricultural Produce
During the visit, the Collector noticed a tribal woman selling locally produced brinjal, drumstick leaves and lady’s finger. He interacted with her and purchased some vegetables, while stressing the promotion of local agricultural produce and improvement of market facilities.
He directed the BDO to connect local farmers and tribal families with the Kosagumuda local market and provide necessary market-linkage facilities so that they can receive fair prices for their produce.
Immediate Assistance for a Person with Disability
During his interaction with villagers, a person with a disability requested a tricycle from the Collector. Taking the matter seriously, the Collector directed the BDO to immediately take necessary steps to provide a tricycle under the appropriate social security or welfare scheme, subject to eligibility.
Collector Hears Women Villagers’ Grievances
Near the entrance to Ghatbasuli village, the Collector interacted with women residents and heard their various demands and grievances. They particularly requested construction of a bridge towards Nagarnara and raising the height of the Bargaan-Ghatbasuli Rural Development (RD) road, which becomes unsafe during heavy rainfall.
The Collector received their applications and assured them that the feasibility and justification of the demands would be examined and appropriate projects would be considered accordingly.
He also advised beneficiaries to complete construction of houses already sanctioned under PMAY and AGY within the stipulated time. The BDO and PEOs were directed to ensure that eligible and genuine beneficiaries are not deprived of PMAY housing benefits in the future.
Visit to Anganwadi Centre and School
Later, the Collector visited the Anganwadi Centre and Gharsulu Primary School. He interacted with Anganwadi and ASHA workers and enquired about the assistance and services they had provided to local residents during the heavy rainfall.
After reviewing the availability and quality of food supplied through the Anganwadi Centre, he stressed the timely provision of nutritious, quality food to pregnant women and adolescent girls.
While returning, villagers requested regular piped water supply through the mega-piped water supply system. The Collector directed the Kosagumuda BDO to take immediate necessary steps to ensure regular drinking water supply to the villagers.
Review Meeting at Kosagumuda Block Office
After completing his visit to Ghatbasuli, the Collector reached the conference hall of the Kosagumuda Block Office, where a review meeting was held with block and line-department officials, PEOs, ACDPOs and grassroots-level staff.
The Collector appreciated the officials and employees for taking prompt action during the heavy rainfall. He welcomed the coordinated efforts of various departments aimed at ensuring the safety and welfare of affected villagers.
He also discussed the difficulties and practical challenges faced by officials and field staff while working during heavy rain and adverse weather. He advised everyone to remain vigilant in such situations and maintain close coordination to ensure that immediate assistance reaches vulnerable and affected families.
Nabarangpur MLA and District Planning Board Chairman Gaurishankar Majhi, Kosagumuda Vice-Chairman Jogendra Swain, Kosagumuda BDO Ashish Tripathi, Kodinga Tahsildar Tularam Muduli, along with various PEOs, ACDPOs and officials and employees of the block and different line departments, were present at the meeting.
Priority to Public Safety and Prompt Action
The Collector’s field visit provided a first-hand assessment of the ground situation in Ghatbasuli, including vulnerable and at-risk families, basic amenities, connectivity, drinking water, livelihoods, livestock safety and government welfare assistance.
The block and tehsil administrations were directed to ensure prompt compliance with the Collector’s instructions and prioritise measures for strengthening roads and connectivity, housing, drinking water, market linkages for local agricultural produce, livestock protection, disaster preparedness and welfare assistance for vulnerable sections.
The Collector thanked all officials, employees and field-level workers for their active cooperation, coordination and dedicated service.