RAYAGADA: The villagers of Dimiriguda and Raghubari panchayats of Muniguda block were in for a surprise on Friday after Collector Poonam Guha Tapas Kumar accompanied by other district officials visited the Maoist-infested area to review implementation of various Government schemes.The day was special for inhabitants of the two panchayats as this was the first ever visit by a Collector to the remote area which is situated close to the borders of Kalahandi and Kandhamal districts and infested with Naxals for the last one decade.
In the absence of a proper road, the Collector walked 2 km and crossed a nullah in the Raghubari Ghat area to reach Khaliguda. Expressing their happiness over Poonam’s visit, local villagers sought a bridge over the nullah.
Poonam also visited some Sevashram schools in Ichapur panchayat and inspected the construction work of PMGSY road from Uchkapadu to Karkamarka village. The 14-km road is being opposed by the Maoists.
The Collector said the visit to the remote area was an eye-opener for her. Senior district officials should regularly visit such areas to ensure last mile connectivity and service delivery at the grassroots. “I have instructed the authorities concerned to ensure water supply, additional classrooms, function of sub-centres and Maa Gruha (maternity waiting home) and regular health camps at Dimiriguda within two months,” she said.
Overwhelmed with joy over Poonam’s visit, Sarpanch of Dimiriguda Suna Majhi said past Collectors hardly found time to pay a call to the area which lacks minimum communication and basic facilities. “The Collector gave a patient hearing to all our problems. We expect all our woes will be resolved soon,” Majhi added.