For the past three years, residents of Kotwali village, under Ward No. 10 of Harchandi-Amhara Panchayat in Rajoun block, Banka district, have been grappling with severe waterlogging due to a long-standing issue of clogged public drains. The lack of proper drainage has significantly disrupted daily life for the villagers.

According to locals, the existing drains suffer from technical flaws, including an incorrect slope and narrow design, which have led to an accumulation of dirt and waste. This blockage prevents the outflow of wastewater from homes, causing it to stagnate and become foul-smelling. The situation worsens considerably during the monsoon season, as rainwater combines with the overflowing drain water, inundating main roads and making it difficult for people to walk or leave their homes.

The persistent waterlogging has resulted in widespread stench, unsanitary conditions, and a surge in mosquito populations throughout the ward. This poses a significant risk of various infectious diseases, particularly affecting the health of young children and the elderly. Approximately 20 families in the ward, along with the entire village, are severely impacted by this problem.

Villagers, including Mithilesh Sharma, Kundan Sharma, Pramod Sharma, and many others, have confirmed that they have been enduring this issue for three years. They believe that constructing a new paved road and drain, approximately 150 to 200 feet long, with an appropriate slope, would provide a permanent solution. The residents have appealed to their panchayat representatives and block administration to take swift action and establish a lasting solution for road and drainage infrastructure to alleviate their suffering.