In the village of Naula-Moragolla, 80 out of 105 families can only afford one meal per day, according to villagers. This unfortunate circumstance arises from the loss of their paddy fields due to the Moragahakanda Development Project. Media personnel visited the village on March 19 to witness the dire situation firsthand..
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Naula-Moragolla
Moragolla, situated within the Naula Divisional Secretariat, has been profoundly affected by the construction of the Moragahakanda reservoir, leading to the resettlement of families from six neighboring villages. While some villages were relocated, Moragolla and Galboda villages remained but lost their traditional lands to the project.
Residents lamented receiving minimal compensation for their acquired lands, with some families provided alternative plots far away from their original homes. The distance makes it challenging for villagers to tend to these new fields, leading many to resort to manual labor to sustain themselves. Consequently, malnutrition has become prevalent among children in Moragolla.
Moreover, villagers highlighted the lack of government assistance, including the absence of Samurdhi or Aswasuma allowances. Many families struggle with inadequate access to drinking water and unreliable transportation services.
The hardships faced by the villagers were vividly expressed by individuals like S.M. Kumudu Kumari, D.M. Asela, I.G. Upatissa, and P.G. Vimala Kumarihami. They spoke of starvation, limited access to basic amenities, and the constant threat of wild elephants encroaching on their lands.
Despite their pleas for assistance and relocation, the villagers feel neglected by the authorities. The discontinuation of allowances and the presence of an elephant fence exacerbate their predicament.
While the Moragahakanda-Kalu Ganga Reservoir projects have benefited some displaced villagers, those in Moragolla and Galboda continue to suffer. They question why they have not been relocated and why their fields remain unused.
The visual portrayal of deserted kitchens and emaciated children serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by these villagers for the greater good. Their ultimate plea is for government officials and the President to address their plight promptly.
In conclusion, the story of Moragolla underscores the challenges faced by communities affected by development projects and the urgent need for compassionate intervention from the authorities.
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