In Prayagraj’s Koraon block, a Dalit family has been forced to live on the banks of a pond after their house nearly collapsed due to heavy rainfall. Ramlal Chamar and his wife Rajaua have no land of their own, leaving them without shelter or basic facilities.
Although the government approved housing and toilet schemes for them, officials refused construction permission because the family has no land except the pond bank. They have also been denied old age pension benefits.
Villagers expressed anger at the neglect. “This family is surviving only through hard work. No official is ready to help them,” said local resident Bulle Adivasi. Others, including Rajesh Kumar, Kanhaiyalal, Mithai Lal, Bachchan and Bhim, accused the village head and panchayat secretary of ignoring the family’s plight.
Despite repeated assurances, the family continues to live without proper shelter or support. “The government talks about housing for all, but here a family is left to live beside a pond,” said Rajesh Kumar.
