In the remote village of Jhitikabari, located within the Takara Panchayat under the Daspalla block, 13 Dalit families are living in misery after being displaced for a railway project. These families, who were promised proper rehabilitation, now find themselves stranded in an isolated area without roads, electricity, or clean drinking water. Their temporary shelters are incomplete, and with no proper housing, they live in constant fear of wild elephants that roam the nearby forests. 
Displaced Families Suffer as Railway Project Leaves Them Without Roads, Electricity, or Water


Broken Promises and Unfulfilled Rehabilitation 

The families, including those of Rabi Naik, Prasanna Naik, Sania Naik, Sushanti Naik, Sujata Naik, Baran Naik, Chanchala Naik, Anita Naik, Bishnu Naik, Jema Naik, Maheswar Naik, Sarat Naik, and Nrupati Naik, were forced to vacate their homes to make way for a railway station expansion. Before their displacement, authorities had assured them that they would be provided with proper housing, roads, electricity, and drinking water facilities at the relocation site. However, none of these promises have been fulfilled.  
Instead, the families were given small plots of land—just 10 decimals each—far from the main village. While they received some compensation for the land, no additional support was provided for the destruction of their biogas plants, toilets, or trees. Left with no choice, the families hastily built half-finished huts and moved in, only to realize that the area lacked even the most basic infrastructure.  

Struggling Without Roads and Electricity 

The relocated families now live in a forested area with no proper road connectivity. The absence of electricity means they spend their nights in darkness, vulnerable to wild elephants that frequently pass through the area. The only water source available is a contaminated tube well, which produces reddish, muddy water that the villagers fear is unsafe to drink.  

During the rainy season, the situation worsens. With no proper roofs over their heads, the families huddle together in a single asbestos-roofed shelter, hoping for protection from the rain. The threat of elephants looms large, especially at night, leaving the villagers in constant fear for their safety.  

Authorities Turn a Deaf Ear  

Despite repeated complaints, no action has been taken to address their suffering. The displaced families allege that instead of helping them, officials pressured them to leave their original homes without ensuring proper rehabilitation.  
When contacted, the local sarpanch, Madan Jani, claimed that discussions had been held with the tahsildar (revenue officer) and that the issues would be resolved soon. However, the villagers remain skeptical, as similar assurances in the past have led to no concrete action.  

Demands for Immediate Action 

The displaced families are now demanding urgent intervention from the government. Their key demands include:  
  • Construction of proper roads to connect their settlement with the main village.  
  • Restoration of electricity to ensure safety and basic living conditions.  
  • Access to clean drinking water, as the current source is unusable.  
  • Compensation for destroyed property, including biogas plants and toilets.  
  • Protection from wild elephants, possibly through fencing or early warning systems.  

A Call for Justice  

The plight of these families highlights the failure of authorities to uphold the rights of displaced communities. While development projects like railways are essential, they should not come at the cost of leaving vulnerable families without homes or basic amenities.  
The government must act swiftly to fulfill its promises and ensure that rehabilitation is done humanely. Until then, the 13 families of Jhitikabari will continue to suffer, living in fear and deprivation, their voices unheard by those in power.

Ratnakar Hota

Journalist

Ratnakar Hota is a journalist as well as an enthusiastic environmentalist and wildlife conservationist. He is also a passionate storyteller and development writer focused on rural livelihoods, tribal traditions, and sustainable practices in Odisha. With a deep interest in preserving disappearing crafts and cultures, they aim to bring grassroots voices to the forefront through impactful and human-centred narratives.