Balia Belon, Katihar: The dream of the residents of Balia Belon to make their area a block remains unfulfilled for decades. During every election, promises are made, only to be forgotten afterward. The people of this region, comprising 12 panchayats and approximately two lakh residents, are deprived of the benefits of government welfare schemes.
“The struggles and dreams of Balia Belaun now resonate not only within the region but across the state. It remains to be seen when the government and public representatives will heed their voices.”
Two Shores of Mahananda: A Tale of Disparity
Situated on the eastern bank of the Mahananda River, Balia Belon starkly contrasts with Kadwa block on the western bank. Kadwa has its block headquarters serving 18 panchayats, while the people of Balia Belon struggle to reach the headquarters, especially during floods and rains. This is not merely a struggle of crossing the river; it is a struggle for rights and recognition.
A Broken Promise
In 2004, the state government announced the creation of Balia Belon as a block, filling the residents with hope. However, with the change in government in 2005, the issue was shelved. Over the past 20 years, countless protests, roadblocks, hunger strikes, and demonstrations have been organized, but their voices remain unheard by the authorities.
Meeting All Criteria
Balia Belon fulfills all the necessary criteria to be declared a block. It has the Alhaj Naimuddin Shahidi Degree College, D.El.Ed and B.Ed colleges, a higher secondary school, a police station, a health center, and an under-construction power substation. Despite all this, the dream remains unrealized.
Leaders Under Scrutiny
Mukhia Association President Meraj Alam remarked, “Proposals for the creation of the block have been repeatedly sent to the secretariat through the Panchayat Samiti meetings. Despite this, no action has been taken, leading to rising anger among the people. MPs, MLAs, and MLCs will have to answer for this in the upcoming elections.”
Resident Equbal Hussain noted, “Areas like Hasanpur, Sameli, and Dandkhora have been declared blocks with just five to six panchayats. Despite having 12 panchayats, Balia Belon has not been given block status, which is an injustice to the large population here.”
Ragib Shajar added, “Due to the indifference of public representatives, the issue remains unresolved. Promises are made before every election but forgotten afterward.”
District Council member Mumtaseer Ahmad expressed his frustration, “Before every election, candidates promise the creation of a block, but these promises disappear once the elections are over. This has been happening for the last 20 years.”
Voices of an Agitated Public
The residents of Balia Belon have made it clear that this time the issue of creating a block will dominate the assembly elections. Asrar Ahmad said, “We need action, not just announcements. The people will no longer wait. Candidates will have to answer for this.”
Flood of Emotions
This area, situated on both banks of the Mahananda River, is not just deprived of connectivity during floods but also denied its rightful recognition. The children, youth, and elderly of Balia Belon share a collective dream – to see their region become a block.
Every flood disrupts the connection with the block headquarters, making the residents realize that their issues can only be resolved through the creation of a new block. Every time a child is deprived of education or healthcare, the pain of Balia Belon deepens.
A Demand for Justice
The dream of Balia Belon is not just about becoming a block but about justice and development. This dream will remain unfulfilled until it receives the administration’s and government’s approval.
The voice of the people is growing louder, and it can no longer be ignored. In the upcoming elections, candidates must understand that the issue of Balia Belon is not just a promise but a necessity for the region.
