The district administration reaffirmed its commitment to tribal development as RDC Sangram Keshari Mohapatra and Collector Somesh Kumar Upadhyay held extensive discussions with representatives of the tribal community at the Collector’s office today.
During the meeting, SP Vinod Patil, Additional Collector (Revenue) Vedabar Pradhan, Sub-Collector Ashni A.L., and DFO Sai Kiran were present. The RDC emphasised that the dialogue aimed to restore peace in the district and address long-standing issues related to land, rehabilitation, and education.
Specifically, the talks covered nine major subjects raised by tribal representatives. These included historical revenue matters, distribution of land pattas, rehabilitation of displaced families, and relief measures in MV-26 village. The RDC informed that relief work in MV-26 is progressing rapidly under government guidelines.
Furthermore, the meeting stressed empowering tribal youth through MSME schemes and livelihood programmes. The RDC listened to community concerns and assured that economic empowerment would remain a priority.
In addition, tribal leaders highlighted the need for appointing teachers fluent in tribal languages to improve education in tribal-dominated villages. They pointed out that teachers already exist in Bonda, Koya, Kandh, Didai, and Paraja languages, but more appointments are necessary.
The discussions also addressed rehabilitation of families displaced by projects such as the Machkund hydroelectric project, allocation of individual and community forest land pattas, and issues of illegal land encroachment in rural and urban areas.
Moreover, tribal representatives demanded priority for hostel facilities to support students’ education. They also raised concerns about problems faced near irrigation projects established in tribal regions.
Relief Operations in MV-26 Village
Meanwhile, relief and rehabilitation work in MV-26 village continues under the direct supervision of District Collector Somesh Kumar Upadhyay. The Collector personally monitored the situation and instructed officials to carry out relief distribution with utmost care.
Officials from multiple departments distributed cooked food and dry rations to affected families. Children aged 3–6 years received six days of dry food, with plans to extend supplies for another 10 days. More villagers returned home on Saturday as the administration provided essential support.
Additionally, revenue officials are assessing damages, while TPSODL staff worked round-the-clock to restore electricity connections. Security arrangements remain tight, with DIG (Southern Range) present in the village and BSF, CRPF, RAF, and local police deployed on duty.
Relief materials from Odisha Red Cross Society, including blankets, kitchen sets, utensils, tarpaulins, sarees, lungis, towels, jars, and clothing for people aged 5–30 years, are being distributed. Internet services across the district remain suspended for another 24 hours as a precautionary measure.
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