Koraput: After learning about the hardships faced by residents of the remote and waterlocked Sabu village in Nandapur block, Koraput Collector Manoj Satyaban Mahajan wasted no time in reaching the village. He crossed the reservoir by motorboat to understand the situation firsthand and interact directly with the affected residents.
Upon reaching the village, the Collector interacted with local residents and patiently listened to their concerns. He also held discussions with accompanying officials and directed them to take immediate action on urgent issues. Assuring villagers that the remaining problems would be resolved in a phased manner, he reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to improving their quality of life.
Deeply moved by his personal visit and concern, the residents of Sabu village expressed their gratitude and thanked the Collector for reaching out to them personally.
Sabu village, located within the reservoir area of Bilaput Panchayat under Nandapur block of Koraput district, has been facing several basic infrastructure challenges for years. The village lacks proper road connectivity, making transportation extremely difficult for residents. Electricity facilities are still unavailable in some areas, and the local school is yet to be upgraded to a high school, limiting educational opportunities for students.
After receiving information about these issues, Collector Manoj Mahajan immediately took action. Since there is no proper road connectivity to the village, he crossed the reservoir by motorboat to reach Sabu. During the visit, he interacted with ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and other frontline staff to understand the challenges they face while serving the community.
The visit was accompanied by Koraput Superintendent of Police Rohit Verma, Chief Development Officer Benudhar Sabar, and PA, ITDA Snehaprabha Majhi. Local representatives, including Bilaput Sarpanch Rajesh Lehu and Samiti Member Jogendra Khemundu, were also present during discussions with the villagers.
During the meeting, villagers submitted a memorandum highlighting several long-pending demands. These included:
- Repair of the RD road connecting Sabu River Ghat
- Construction of a bridge and road from Upper Harganda to Sabu River Ghat
- Development of eco-tourism facilities around the reservoir
- Granting permanent land rights to residents of Sabu and Lamadur villages
- Construction of a concrete road between Sabu and Lamadur
- Electricity connectivity to Lamadur village
- Upgradation of Jabagad Upper Primary School to a High School
- Establishment of a Primary Health Centre at Bilaput Panchayat headquarters
Taking the concerns seriously, the Collector immediately discussed possible solutions with the concerned officials on the spot. He assured villagers that necessary steps would be taken to resolve their issues in a systematic and phased manner.
The visit has received widespread appreciation from the local community. Villagers described the Collector’s effort to personally cross the reservoir and reach their remote settlement as a rare and inspiring example of responsive governance and people-centric administration.
As a gesture of respect and gratitude, the people of Sabu village thanked Manoj Satyaban Mahajan for listening to their problems and taking concrete steps towards finding solutions.
