OverView of Risida

Risida is a commercial and education rurban center in the north-eastern corner of Kalahandi district of Orissa. Risida is a urban center and cluster of three rural settlements with a population about 4500, located at 2023'20"N latitude 8328'57"E longitude.  It is located at the strategic point of tri-junction of Kalahandi, Balangir, and Kandhamal districts of Orissa This place has been developed under different rulers of Kalahandi state and under the British rule. It was a small village. In 1883, the British administration wanted the village to have a Police Post.  A primary school was opened with hostel facility. Since then it emerged as an important center in the district. After independence, considering the importance the government established a Gram Panchayat, an office of Agricultural Extension Officer, office of a School Inspector, a Revenue Inspector Office with Revenue Inspection Bungalow, and in later period failed to have the headquarters of the Block due to political reasons when blocks were created. A time will come when the people of Risida will trace out the facts. In 1951 a Middle English School was established with the initiatives of the benevolent people of Risida.         

In 1964, it got its first high school, named as Bapuji High School. A girls high school was established at the later period. Now Risida has both Junior College and a Degree College. Now a number of educational institutions are functioning at Risida.

Over the past three decades, life in this sleepy center has changed drastically. In last three decades population has about doubled. Though it has witnessed progress, the physical facilities are becoming feeble at Risida.

There is no water supply to this cluster. Now potable drinking water is becoming a scarce commodity during the summer period. Homemakers have their own woes In last two decades the scarcity of drinking water has escalated by leaps and bounds. It is the biggest problem of this village. When it will be materializing Through different schemes supply of drinking water supply was experimented from deep bore holes but all failed. 

The drainage system of Risida is pathetic. During the rainy period both rain and drain water get flooded causing unhygienic situation for days and days. No concrete drain has been constructed along the road- side. Few drain lines are there but they are not properly being maintained.

Supply of electricity to this largest rural cluster is really a Low voltage is a regular and a must feature. The voltage remains below 70. The transmission lines drawn in early eighties have not been replaced. According to the requirement no transformers are being provided to this village cluster.

The law and order situation is nearly collapsed. The inhabitants complain about the rowdies, criminals and anti-social elements who enjoy both political and administrative support. This is change for the worse. Some mafia people have encroached the land of some government institutions like schools and hospital. For what motive they have been protected under the umbrella.

Regular buses arrive at Risida from the district headquarters and nearby towns of Balangir, Kesinga, Baliguda, Bargarh, Titilagarh, etc. A bus stand is there but there is no proper maintenance and no public facilities like toilets and drinking water are provided.

The village is expanding rapidly. New houses and building are constructed at a rapid stage by the inhabitants, but no proper planning is there by the village panchayat in this regard.

Risida is a center of youth activities. From football tournaments to there, youths take part in all activities.