Paradip, Sept. 30: The spectre of dengue and official apathy forced residents of a far-flung village in the district to clean a pond of filth and squalor.

After waiting in vain for the panchayat and block administration to act, residents of Baradia village in the Balikuda police station areas succeeded in cleaning up the pond, which had turned into a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

A villager said a callous administration, which did not respond to their pleas, had compelled them on the path of volunteerism to make the village environ hygienic. “We were let down by the authorities. Later, people volunteered to renovate the pond,” said Rama Prasad Mishra, who is a member of Baramundali gram panchayat.

The village pond was full of weeds and dirt till very recently. It now wears a refreshing look. A day of community exercise has paid dividends, said villager 55-year-old Achyut Dash.

Before the villagers embarked on the do-it-yourself path, they had urged the panchayat to clean the pond. The block officials were also approached, but nothing worked. The apathy of the officials angered them, who started the clean-up mission. The women folk of the village also joined the men in action, said Dash.

“People realised that lack of cleanliness was leading to a spurt in diseases. The filthy pond had become unfit for public use. It had also become a breeding ground for mosquitoes,” said Sikhar Biswal.

“We were worried as the village environs had turned unhealthy. There was garbage and waste all around. The village pond was not in a good shape. Its water had got contaminated. It was full of weeds and shrubs,” said homemaker Maheswata Samal.

“Though the local panchayat used to carry out periodic sanitation, the villagers were not in the habit of keeping the village clean. Garbage was dumped on roadside and the villagers were to be blamed for the mess. But, the fear of a dengue outbreak brought a sea change in the mindset of villagers,” said Samal.

“Initially, people were hesitant. A few villagers turned up when the drive was launched. After a couple of hours, better sense prevailed. There was enthusiastic participation from every household. As time went by, women took the centre stage and spearheaded the cleanliness drive,” said panchayat samity member Mishra.