MALKANGIRI : Jantapai, one of the most remote villages of Malkangiri district in the cut-off region, has an infamous history. It was from here that the then Collector R Vineel Krishna was abducted by Maoists on February 16, 2011. The Collector had been to the village for a mass-contact programme when the Maoists struck and abducted him along with an engineer accompanying him. While Krishna was eventually released on February 23, the area has been known to be a Maoist hotbed since decades, thanks to the inaccessibility of the water-locked region and lack of development in the villages.
The Gurupriya bridge, however, promises to change all that and public mood is visibly upbeat about the future. It will usher in a wave of development, touching every aspect of the lives of people by connecting them to the mainstream. “The bridge is a game-changer. It will provide access to healthcare, education and markets to sell our produces, create employment and livelihood opportunities, thereby leading us towards a safe and prosperous future,” the villagers of Jantapai stated.
Dibya Tarakdhara has been serving as an Anganwadi worker at the Jantapai Anganwadi centre for the past 25 years. Sitting at the AWC surrounded by kids, she elucidates, “I can foresee the positive transformation in the people’s lives across the villages, especially the children. They will now get their nutritional food in time which was erratic earlier. As they grow up, they can avail better education, healthcare and go far in their lives,” she said.
For turmeric grower Rama Pangi, Gurupriya is synonymous with enhanced income and higher returns for his produce. “The cut-off region produces best quality turmeric but due to lack of market facilities, farmers are the losers. With access to markets, we can now expect to get fair price for our products that will improve our standard of living,” Pangi says.
The farmer also visualises fast-paced infrastructure development in the region from good roads, houses to other community facilities. Due to lack of connectivity, it was not possible to bring heavy construction equipment and materials by boat. The problem ceases to exist now. “The bridge will be the lifeline for the people. It will bring remarkable changes in their lives,” he concludes.