Nagla village in Tharad is once again submerged in rainwater. This has been a yearly problem for the past ten years. Even after multiple requests to local authorities, no permanent solution has been provided. Villagers are now facing severe hardships and are prepared to escalate their complaints, even reaching the High Court if necessary. Just three days ago, they submitted another request to the local administration.
The ₹13.5 crore drainage project by the government remains incomplete, leading to concerns that taxpayers’ money has been wasted. The flooding issue worsened after devastating floods in 2015-2017. Continuous seepage from the Narmada canal has weakened the land in Nagla. Currently, there are no permanent arrangements for rainwater drainage from the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam. This negligence means that nearly 200 hectares of farmland in the village and surrounding areas remain underwater for six months each year.
The recent rains have made matters worse, blocking all access routes to and from the village. Over 3,000 residents and their livestock are directly affected. The village dairy, gram panchayat, and cooperative buildings have also been submerged, halting daily activities and making it difficult for residents to leave their homes.
Villagers have repeatedly approached the authorities for a lasting solution, but their pleas have gone unheeded. Just yesterday, the village sarpanch, former sarpanch, and a large number of villagers presented their case again at the Mamlatdar’s office and the MLA’s office. Village leaders warned that if no solid action is taken following this latest appeal, they will record video evidence with drones and take their case to higher authorities.
The villagers have expressed their frustration over the negligence surrounding the drainage plan. They highlighted that the approved drainage project, costing ₹13.5 crore, has been incomplete due to the contractor’s negligence. They believe that if the project had been completed on time, they would not be facing these dire circumstances today. While a neighboring village, Dodgam, has a permanent drainage solution, Nagla is still waiting for one.
As the monsoon season approaches, the villagers are calling for immediate action to address the drainage issue permanently. The flooding has made life unbearable for the residents. They struggle to access their fields and engage in daily activities, which has a significant impact on their livelihoods.
Local farmers have faced immense challenges due to the flooding. For four months each year, they are unable to cultivate their land, leading to substantial economic losses. The situation has become critical, prompting villagers to demand that the government take urgent measures to resolve these issues. They have reached out to local leaders, state officials, and even the Chief Minister, but so far, no concrete solutions have been offered.
The residents of Nagla village are determined to fight for their rights. They believe that with enough pressure, they can see a change. The ongoing neglect has led to frustrations boiling over, and the villagers are ready to escalate their efforts to ensure a safe living environment and proper drainage solutions. With the threat of future floods looming, time is of the essence for Nagla village and its residents.
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