Rayagada: Two persons, including a minor boy, had a narrow escape after the tractor they were travelling on became stranded in the swollen Nagabali River in Rayagada district on Wednesday, following a sudden surge in the river’s water level due to heavy rainfall.
The incident occurred near Intaliguda village under Kolnara block when Prakash Pedanti of Emaliguda village in the Paikpada area was returning from his farmland after crossing the river on a tractor. His minor nephew, Hari Pedanti, was accompanying him.
According to local sources, the river’s water level rose rapidly as rainwater rushed downstream, leaving the tractor immobilised in the middle of the river. With the strong current preventing any movement, the two remained stranded for several hours.
Initially, villagers hesitated to enter the river because of the powerful flow. However, a group of youths from Intaliguda village eventually ventured into the swollen river and successfully rescued both Prakash Pedanti and the minor boy. No injuries were reported.
The incident has once again highlighted the lack of a permanent bridge over the Nagabali River, which serves as a vital crossing point for residents of several villages and farmers accessing agricultural land on the opposite bank.
Local social activist Bijay Meleka urged the government to construct a permanent bridge over the river, stating that such infrastructure would benefit people from nearly 10 surrounding villages and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
