Villagers Plant Paddy Saplings on Road in Protest Against Poor Infrastructure

Frustrated by administrative apathy and unaddressed complaints, irate villagers of Nuadihi panchayat under Erasama block staged a unique protest by planting paddy saplings on a muddy village road.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

The state government, which has declared itself a "people's government," has mandated district collectors and SPs to hold joint public grievance hearings every Monday. Citizens are encouraged to register and meet officials to raise their concerns. However, villagers allege that their repeated appeals through these forums have yielded no results.

Citing a specific issue, residents pointed to the deplorable condition of the 36 Canal Embankment road connecting Paikashai village under Nuadihi panchayat of Erasama block—under the Rural Development Department. During the monsoon, the road becomes muddy and riddled with potholes, making it nearly impossible to walk or travel. Villagers from Dasipur, Nuadihi, Mahimadeipur, Ghagadao, Bhainch, and nearby areas face daily hardship due to the poor condition of this stretch.