Red activities drop, development up

KOIDA (SUNDARGARH): Amid visible drop in Maoist activities, the neglected remote pockets of the mineral-rich Koida block in Sundargarh district may finally see some development works. Shedding its inhibition of entering these Maoist-infested pockets, the district administration is showing interest in developing these areas.The tribal-dominated Koida block, sharing porous border with Saranda forest in Jharkhand, saw rampant loot of its mineral resources from early 2000 when Maoists began spreading their wings.Even as massive mining activities for years continued to heap untold miseries on the villagers, the administrative officials paid no heed citing Maoist menace. Sundargarh Collector Rupa Roshan Sahu said the administration would work out an action plan with preferential focus on Patmunda and Malda gram panchayats (GPs) having 24 revenue villages.These GPs bore the maximum brunt of illegal mining.After her recent visit to the areas, the Collector said besides bad road conditions the administration faces challenges of improving education and health services.Moreover, the administration has to overcome socioeconomic issues given rampant alcoholism and unemployment gripping the local populace. She said owners of mines would be asked to chip in for development of villages.The villagers insisted on development of key road links between Ganua to Koida, Koida to Patmunda, and Malda to Bhanjapali.Koida BDO Parikshit Sethi said road works are in progress on a key link of about 50 km stretch connecting Koida, Kaleiposh and Lahunipara via Barsuan.