Chitrakoot, August 18, 2025 – In Khapatiha village of Mau tehsil, Chitrakoot district, farmer Lakhan Pal is grappling with a devastating loss after his paddy crop was completely destroyed due to waterlogging. The 45-year-old farmer blames local strongmen for blocking a government drain, causing water to flood his fields. “My entire crop is gone. Months of hard work washed away,” Lakhna said, pointing to the submerged farmland.
According to Lakhna, the trouble started when influential villagers Guddu Yadav, Surendra Thakur, and Santosh Yadav, deliberately obstructed the drainage channel meant to divert rainwater. When he tried to clear the blockage, he faced verbal abuse and threats of violence. “They warned me not to touch the drain or I’d regret it,” he recounted. Desperate for help, Lakhan approached the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Mau, but he claims his complaints were ignored. “I’ve been running from one office to another, but nothing has changed,” he said, frustrated.
Adding to woes, he alleged that the SDM ordered an inquiry into the matter by the Lekhpal, but the Lekhpal demanded a bribe of ₹5,000 from him. “How can I pay when I’ve lost everything?” he asked. With no resolution in sight, the farmer has now pinned his hopes on the Chitrakoot District Magistrate, filing a formal plea for justice. He’s seeking compensation for his losses and action against those responsible for blocking the drain.
Villagers say this isn’t a new problem. Blocked drains and waterlogging have plagued Khapatiha for years, often linked to disputes over land and water rights. A local said, “The powerful people here control everything. Poor farmers like Lakhan suffer the most.” Lakhna’s story highlights the struggles of small farmers facing both natural challenges and local power dynamics. As he waits for help, he hopes the authorities will step in to ensure such losses don’t happen again.
