The Chilika Development Authority (CDA) on Monday started a barge service (in picture) between Satapada and Janhikuda to help the villagers, who had  been facing difficulties, to cross the lake. Though, the CDA had earlier introduced water vessel service for the villagers, the water vessels had become defunct since the beginning of this month. In the absence of water vessels, people living at the other end of the lake had been facing difficulties. Around 500 people used the water vessel on a regular basis to reach Satapada. Additional chief executive Samita Lenka said the barge was pressed into action to help the people. “The vessels are being repaired and we are hopeful of making it operational by the next month. The barge will operate four times a day from each direction. The passengers will only be able to take two wheelers in the barge,” said Lenka. Telegraph picture