A village in Karnataka, once troubled by waterlogging, now enjoys safety, stability, and hope due to NMDC’s dedicated efforts in improving infrastructure
Karnataka: Located near the entrance to Donimalai Township, Bhujanganagar, a small village in Sandur Taluk of Bellary District, Karnataka, has undergone a remarkable transformation of better infrastructure with the financial assistance provided by NMDC. The village, conveniently connected by an all-weather road, once struggled with severe waterlogging due to its outdated drainage system. Despite some internal roads being in good condition, the open and un-embanked drains frequently overflowed during the rainy season, disrupting daily life and damaging homes.
The relentless monsoon rains were challenging for Ms. Pundi Omkarappa and her family. Each year, the deluge would invade their homes, leaving behind a trail of destruction. “It felt like we were battling nature itself,” shared one of the residents.
In July 2024, the situation worsened as stagnant water became a breeding ground for mosquitoes, leading to a surge in vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue. Approximately 5 to 10 villagers fell ill and required hospitalization, prompting the Bhujanganagar Panchayat to urgently request fogging and spraying of insecticides. Recognizing the severity of the issue, NMDC provided financial assistance for a long-term solution: the construction of RCC drains to effectively address waterlogging.
Of the INR.2.58 Crore allocated for village development, a significant portion of INR.22 Lakhs was invested in constructing 440 meters of crucial drainage and road infrastructure across two key sites. This timely project, completed on schedule, marks a substantial step towards improving the community’s quality of life.
Today, Bhujanganagar stands transformed. The smiles of its residents, particularly the women, reflect the relief brought by this initiative. The improved drainage system has eradicated waterlogging in key areas, providing a new sense of security and stability. During the heavy rains brought by Cyclone Fengal on December 2, 2024, the village experienced no flooding for the first time.
“The continuous rain throughout the night didn’t cause any waterlogging this time,” shared Pundi Omkarappa, a resident who had endured years of suffering due to the village’s inadequate drainage system. “Our homes remained safe and dry.”
The benefits go beyond just fixing the waterlogging. Families now live without the constant fear of diseases like malaria. With fewer mosquitoes, people can sleep peacefully at night.
NMDC’s earlier efforts also helped build proper roads in the village. Before this, the roads were just dirt paths with gravel and bushes, making travel dangerous and slow. The new tarred road now connects Bhujanganagar to Sandur, Donimalai, and other nearby areas, helping both residents and local businesses. With focused efforts and community collaboration, NMDC’s contributions serves as a powerful reminder of how targeted interventions can bring lasting change to even the most vulnerable communities