Rayagada, July 24: Rengamaju village under Gunupur block in Odisha’s Rayagada district continues to battle darkness--both literal and metaphorical. Despite promises and partial infrastructure development, the village remains without electricity, proper roads, and clean drinking water, leaving its tribal residents in a daily struggle for survival, locals said.

Five years ago, electric poles and wires were installed in Rengamaju, raising hopes of illumination. But the current never arrived. Today, villagers still rely on kerosene lamps and flickering oil wicks to light their homes. Children study only as long as the oil lasts, and families cook and eat before sunset to avoid the dangers of pitch-black nights.

The village lacks a pucca road, making access difficult, especially during the monsoon. Pregnant women and the sick are often carried on makeshift stretchers to reach medical help. A single tube well installed under the previous government’s Basudha scheme fails to provide potable water, forcing residents to filter muddy water from nearby sources.

Locals like Nanda Hikabadi and Kalidas Hikabadi expressed frustration over the previous government’s inaction. “Development came halfway and stopped. We are still living in fear of the dark,” said one villager. Despite repeated appeals, no concrete steps have been taken to resolve the issues.

The situation in Rengamaju reflects a broader challenge in rural Odisha, where infrastructure projects often stall before completion.

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