Decades After Independence, Behra Path Village Still Struggles for Basic Facilities

Decades after Independence, residents of Behra Path village in Upper Khatanga panchayat of Raidih block continue to struggle for basic amenities such as roads, electricity and safe drinking water.

Located around 20 km from the Raidih block headquarters, the village is home to nearly 20 families. On Friday afternoon, villagers held a meeting under the leadership of Kamal Kishore Kisan to discuss their long-standing problems. Following the meeting, they decided to submit a memorandum to Gumla Deputy Commissioner Dileshwar Mahto during the upcoming public grievance hearing, seeking urgent action.

One of the biggest concerns for the villagers is the poor condition of the road connecting the village with the main road. The road has become badly damaged, making regular transportation difficult. In medical emergencies, patients reportedly have to be carried on cots or makeshift stretchers for nearly six kilometres to reach the main road at Sokrahatu. Villagers said ambulances are unable to reach the village because of the poor road conditions.

The lack of a reliable source of drinking water is another major concern. According to residents, a natural spring is their only source of water throughout the year. During the monsoon, water flowing down from the surrounding hills and forests often becomes muddy and contaminated before collecting at the spring. Villagers say the use of such water has contributed to repeated illnesses.

The residents have therefore demanded the installation of a deep borewell and construction of a water tank to ensure a safer and more dependable supply of drinking water.

Electricity remains another unresolved issue. With no regular power supply in the village, children are forced to study under the light of traditional oil lamps. A solar power plant installed by the panchayat has also remained faulty for a long time and is no longer providing adequate lighting, according to the villagers.

The residents have appealed to the district administration to take steps for construction of a proper blacktop road, installation of a deep borewell and restoration of electricity facilities in Behra Path. They said access to these basic services would significantly improve the safety, health and education prospects of the village's residents.

A large number of men and women participated in the meeting, including Mahendra Singh, Chitbarhan Singh, Guja Singh, Jagan Singh, Lakhan Singh, Mamta Kumari, Jagmat Devi, Kashila Devi, Manjita Kumari, Sukhdev Singh, Munni Devi, Maheshwari Devi, Sarita Devi, Mukhdev Singh, Sitamuni Devi, Mangru Singh, Kundan Singh, Seema Kumari, Anjali Kumari and Manju Devi, among others.