CITIZENS THREATEN ELECTION BOYCOTT AS ODISHA’S WATER WOES PERSIST DESPITE GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

Despite Odisha government’s efforts with the BASUDHA yojana, water scarcity persists, especially in Ganjam, Kendrapara, and Rayagada. Villages like Gayaganda witness failed drinking water projects, leaving residents to collect contaminated water. In Chandiapalli, Kendrapara, BASUDHA pipelines offer slow, insufficient supply, forcing risky river water collection. Despite pleas, installed tube wells dispense saline water. The situation highlights poor infrastructure maintenance and governmental apathy. Frustrated, citizens threaten to boycott elections. Engineers remain tight-lipped. The plight underscores the urgent need for effective water management and infrastructure upkeep to alleviate Odisha’s persistent water woes.