Bhubaneswar, June 5 -- Hundreds of villagers blocked the Rayagada-Koraput National Highway-326 in Odisha on Friday morning over drinking water crisis in Kumbhikota village under Rayagada Sadar block. The protest began at around 7 am and brought traffic on the busy highway to a halt.

Men and women sat on the road with pots and buckets, demanding immediate supply of drinking water. Vehicles remained stranded on both sides of the highway as the agitation continued.

Residents said the village has been facing drinking water shortage for a long time. They alleged that despite repeatedly bringing the issue to the notice of the administration, no lasting solution has been provided.

With water scarcity worsening, villagers said they were left w...