Odisha villages face severe infrastructure and healthcare challenges

Residents of Kandha Koili and Siti Koili, two revenue villages in the Angul district of Odisha, are facing severe hardships due to a lack of basic infrastructure. Despite regional development projects, these villages, home to over 200 families, lack dependable road connectivity.

Villagers must navigate a five-kilometre forest stretch that becomes nearly impassable during the monsoon season due to mud and potholes. This lack of access creates life-threatening situations, as emergency vehicles like 108 ambulances are often unable to reach the area. Village chief Suresh Sandha noted that pregnant women and critically ill patients face the greatest risks, sometimes requiring manual transport by hand.

In addition to poor roads, the communities struggle with inadequate healthcare, teacher shortages, unreliable mobile networks, and frequent encounters with wild elephants in the surrounding forest.