River Change Alters Identity and Exclusion: The Plight of Elasgarh Village

Elasgarh village, located in the Patar Panchayat of the Andar block in Siwan district, Bihar, has been facing a unique identity crisis. A sudden change in the course of the river 37 years ago left the village divided between the states of Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Bihar. As a result, the residents found themselves in a peculiar situation where they were neither considered residents of UP nor Bihar. This predicament has now led to their exclusion from various government schemes, exacerbating their struggle for recognition and support.

Residents Stranded Between States

The village of Elasgarh, comprising 2,346 people, found itself geographically displaced after the river changed its course. While their physical presence ended up in UP, their agricultural fields remained in Bihar.

This division has created a complex issue, as both states fail to recognize them as their own. Consequently, all the affected individuals have been removed from government schemes that could have provided them with crucial benefits and assistance.

Aadhaar Cards Highlight the Dilemma

Adding to the complexity, approximately 350 residents possess Aadhaar cards from both UP and Bihar, providing concrete evidence of their unique predicament. This discrepancy further highlights the bureaucratic challenge faced by the villagers, as their dual-state identity creates confusion and hinders their ability to access essential services.

The struggle for recognition and support has only deepened for these individuals who find themselves caught in the bureaucratic web.

No Home in Either State

While in conversation with the media, Dharma, a 64-year-old resident of Elasgarh, eloquently expressed the collective sentiment of the villagers, saying, "We are neither here (UP) nor there (Bihar). After all, where are we?" Despite their ancestral connection to Bihar, they were forced to build homes on their own land, which happened to be in Ballia, UP. This situation further emphasizes the disconnect between their geographical and administrative affiliations, leaving them in a state of limbo.

Land Ownership and Control

The area encompassing Patar Panchayat spans approximately 1795.2 hectares, with around 500 hectares lying between the river and the dam. Currently, this unsurveyed land is being crossed by the Saryu River, which grants the villagers control over it. However, without official recognition from either state, the ownership and utilization of this land remain uncertain, adding another layer of complexity to the villagers' predicament.

Calls for Resolution and Support

The villagers of Elasgarh are now urging the authorities from both UP and Bihar to address their unique circumstances and provide them with the support they desperately need. It is imperative for the bureaucratic systems of both states to collaborate and find a solution that acknowledges the residents' rightful entitlement to government schemes and services.

Furthermore, experts suggest that a comprehensive survey and assessment of the region should be conducted to accurately determine land ownership and administrative jurisdiction. By doing so, the authorities can ensure that the affected villagers are granted the rights and benefits they deserve, alleviating their plight and providing them with the necessary support to rebuild their lives.

In the midst of this administrative tussle, the residents of Elasgarh village continue to live in uncertainty, striving to find their rightful place in the bureaucratic maze. It is high time that their predicament receives the attention it deserves, enabling them to regain their sense of identity and access the assistance they require to thrive.