Bhubaneswar: Residents of Makraguda village in Golamunda block of Odisha's Kalahandi district staged a road blockade today demanding a permanent solution to the long-standing drinking water crisis in their area.

According to villagers, despite the government's Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide safe drinking water to every household, the scheme has remained confined to paper. As a result, the residents are being forced to consume contaminated water containing fluoride, leading to serious health complications.

Villagers claimed that several people in the village have been suffering from various ailments due to the poor quality of drinking water. They further alleged that two persons have lost their lives to kidney-related diseases.

Protesting against the lack of safe drinking water, villagers blocked the road and urged the administration to take immediate steps to ensure the supply of clean drinking water and effectively implement the Jal Jeevan Mission in the village.

Residents alleged that they have repeatedly brought the issue to the notice of the administration and concerned departments, but no concrete action has been taken so far. The continued neglect has sparked widespread dissatisfaction among the locals.

The protesters warned that if the drinking water problem is not resolved at the earliest, they will intensify their agitation in the coming days.