Bhubaneswar, Aug. 4 -- Once home to nearly 90 families, Kurudu village in Odisha's Angul district now stands eerily silent, with only three families continuing to live on their ancestral land.

Located about 20 Km from Angul town under Manikajodi panchayat, the village remains cut off from basic infrastructure, forcing most residents to migrate to nearby towns in search of a better life.

Reaching Kurudu itself is a challenge. Visitors must navigate nearly 3 km of muddy, uneven roads while also facing the constant threat of elephant movement through the area. Despite vast stretches of fertile agricultural land, much of it now lies uncultivated as the number of farmers has dwindled over the years.

Villagers say the absence of an all-weath...