Ganjam farmers hit by unseasonal rain now face irrigation crisis as TPSODL disconnects power supply

Ganjam farmers who are reeling under severe crop loss and debt burden due to December’s unseasonal rain, now face irrigation crisis as major power supply giant TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL) has reportedly disconnected electric supply.

As per reports, TPSODL has disconnected power to approximately 500 LI points due to alleged unpaid dues to the tune of Rs 6 crore. With major water bodies including Rushikulya, Badanadi, Bahuda, and Ghodahada rivers nearly dried up, farmers are now at the receiving end.

Reports said TPSODL had also planned to disconnect the power supply during the Kharif season, the collector’s intervention had helped the farmers back then. However, the TPSODL has now disconnected the power supply that is affecting farmers who were hopeful of a good harvest in the upcoming Rabi season.

“TPSODL has disconnected power to approximately 500 Lift Irrigation (LI) points due to unpaid bills. "The district has 2,000 community and 3,300 individual LI points, with power charges unpaid exceeding Rs 6 crore,” Simanchal Nahak, the secretary of the Rushikulya Rayat Mahasabha revealed.

Meanwhile, TPSODL has agreed to provide installment facilities to the farmers to clear their arrears after a meeting with district officials. TPSODL also announced to instal smart meters, enabling automatic power cut-off for non-payment.

On the other hand, District Collector Dibyajyoti Parida focused on prioritizing non-paddy crops for the upcoming rabi season.

“We were expecting a bumper paddy yield during the kharif season, but heavy rains disrupted our plans. However, we are hopeful of meeting our paddy procurement targets. The distribution of government aid and insurance compensation is underway and will conclude shortly,” the Collector stated.

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To assist the farmers, the administration has facilitated the availability of subsidised rabi kits, which include seeds and pesticides for alternative crops at Rs 1,000, again the actual value of Rs 10,000.