NEW KARMA BASTI CAUGHT BETWEEN TWO PANCHAYATS

NEW KARMA BASTI CAUGHT BETWEEN TWO PANCHAYATS

5-JULY-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BHABHUA--------------------------Residents of New Karma village, located within the Devrarh Kala Khurd Panchayat of Kudra block, have been forced to live for years without basic amenities such as roads, drainage systems, and an Anganwadi center. Conditions in the village worsen significantly during the monsoon season; mud and waterlogging make it difficult for residents to even step out of their homes. Frustrated by these issues, the villagers have expressed their displeasure with the administration and elected representatives, demanding an immediate resolution. They stated that development work is being hampered because New Karma village is caught between the jurisdictions of two panchayats. Although the issue was previously brought to the attention of the Block Development Officer through a formal application, no concrete action has been taken to date. The villagers say they are bearing the brunt of the confusion regarding the panchayats' respective jurisdictions.

Women in the village reported that the lack of a proper road makes it extremely difficult to leave the village during the rainy season. Small children face the greatest hardship; due to the absence of an Anganwadi center within the village, they must cross National Highway 19 (NH-19) to reach a center in another village, posing a constant risk of accidents. According to the villagers, several road accidents have occurred on this route in the past, yet no permanent solution has been implemented so far.

In this regard, Yugal Paswan, the representative of the Mukhiya (village head) of Chilbili Panchayat, stated that all voters from New Karma village are registered under the Devrarh Kala Khurd Panchayat. Nevertheless, road and drain construction has been undertaken through his efforts, and further development work will be carried out if a scheme is sanctioned in the future.

Meanwhile, Chandrashekhar Yadav, the Mukhiya (village head) of Devaradh Kala Khurd Panchayat, stated that during the tenure of the previous Block Development Officer, he had even arranged for the delivery of bricks and sand to commence construction. However, he was later instructed to halt the work, with the explanation that construction could not be carried out there and funds would not be approved for the project. Consequently, he had to have the construction materials removed.

Separately, when contacted by phone regarding this matter, the Kudra Block Development Officer stated that he is currently on leave. He assured that upon returning to the office, he would have the matter investigated and take necessary action.

Villagers have urged the administration to look beyond the panchayat boundary dispute and find a permanent solution to the village's basic problems, ensuring that residents receive timely access to roads, drains, Anganwadi services, and other essential amenities.