S Patrapali panchayat in Birmaharajpur constituency has reported deaths due to meningitis, diarrhoea and malnutrition.
The panchayat comprises seven hilly villages which are mostly inhabited by tribals. The residents eke out a living from shifting cultivation and by collecting forest products. Many villages do not have proper roads, proper health services and most importantly, safe drinking water.
Deaths due to water borne diseases are reported every year from the area.
The stream water they use for bathing and washing domestic animals is also used for consumption. As a result, the villagers are vulnerable to health ailments. All the families in the villages have been provided with ration cards.
The villagers of Dejharan have to travel over 50 km to procure the essential commodities. Around four years back, electricity was supplied to the village. But till today the line lies defunct. There is a school at Kharapara village. While children from the village travel to the foothills for pursuing higher education, the parents hesitate to send their wards to schools during rainy season.
When asked, Ullunda BDO Runu Lakra said, “I will definitely visit thearea and solve the problems shortly.”