TV
The Banshadhara river, which once used to be the lifeline of the people in Rayagada district, is now giving sleepless nights to hundreds of Famers of Gunupur, Gudari and Ramanaguda areas in the district.
As per reports, the river has devoured acres of agricultural land leaving the farmers in the area in a state of despair.
Locals said that due to frequent flooding in the Banshadhara river the agricultural land on the riverbed is getting eroded. “Even though we approached the district administration on several occasions, it has done little to address the issue,” they alleged.
Also Read
"Many government officials have visited the affected areas, but nothing has been done so far to address our problem. Moreover, we have not received any compensation as yet. The administration should soon come up with an alternative to save our villages and farmland," said Niladri Behera, a farmer.
"The Banshadhara river has devoured all our farmland. The government should take the necessary steps to safeguard the villages. Though, the local MLA had visited the affected areas and assured us of action, he did nothing," said Jalandhar Behera, another farmer.
Responding to the complaints of the villagers, Gunupur Sub-Collector, J Sonal said appropriate action would be taken soon.
"We had a virtual meeting over the farmers' issue. Necessary action to address the problem will be taken soon," J Sonal said.
However, the concerned officials from the Water Resources department could not be contacted for reaction over the farmers’ grievances.
