Etawah Waterlogging: Villagers' Hunger Strike Enters Tenth Day, Questioning Administration's Promises

Protest Continues Amidst Unresolved Waterlogging Issue

In Gram Panchayat Shekhupur Jakholi, under the development block of Barhpura in Etawah district, villagers' Satyagraha movement against waterlogging has continued for the tenth day. Under the banner of 'Death or Salvation,' the villagers remain steadfast in their demands, stating that the administration's assurances are 'stagnant' and have failed to provide a permanent solution.

Deepak Raj, the Satyagraha convenor, reported that the public affected by waterlogging is dissatisfied with the assurances received from the administration. He noted that promises made by visiting administrative officials have remained confined to paper, with no visible progress on the ground.

Criticism of Administration's Efforts

Raj further stated that while some pipelines have been laid by the administration, this action will not fully resolve the waterlogging problem. The protest will persist until a satisfactory solution is reached.

Female protestors, including Seema, Sarla, Priyanka, Lakshmi, and Meetashri, who have been staging a sit-in, issued a collective statement. They clarified that after nine days of Satyagraha, they have yet to receive a solution to their road accessibility issues.

"If the administration believes that simply laying a few pipes can satisfy us, they are mistaken."

The protesters have resolved not to end their Satyagraha until they are provided with a clear and accessible route from their blocked pathways.

Growing Support and Escalation Plans

Deepak Raj also mentioned that despite continuous rainfall, the villagers' enthusiasm has not waned. He further highlighted that people from other villages visited the protest site today to express their support, which he considered an auspicious sign for the movement and a boost to the villagers' morale.

To inject new energy into the movement, women protestors, including Ramsakhi, Sarla, Girija, Madhuri, and Urmila, are scheduled to commence a hunger strike on the eleventh day of the protest. This step aims to pressure the administration and draw immediate attention to their demands.

The villagers are committed to remaining firm until their demands are met.