Bhubaneswar: It was midnight and the only way to reach the village was by a bamboo bridge.
But that did not deter Union Minister of State (MoS) for Tribal Affairs and Jal Shakti Bishweswar Tudu from reaching a remote tribal village in Balasore district to hear their plight.
Setting an example for other ministers, Tudu undertook the risky trek on Friday midnight to meet the tribals in Bajana Adibasi Sahi.
The bamboo bridge is the only link that connects the village with the outside world. There is no permanent bridge.
Tudu spoke to the villagers and heard their problems. He also called up officials over phone, asking them to ensure electricity and road connection for the villager.
“These villagers do not have basic facilities. There is no proper road. A pucca road will be built immediately,” he said.
On the bamboo bridge, Tudu said, “I was told construction of a permanent bridge was stopped following incessant rainfall. But work has resumed.”
During his visit, Tudu joined the tribals and danced to the beats of traditional musical instruments.
