TV
Blockage of a canal in Cuttack’s Tangi-Choudwar Block has reportedly led to severe flooding in farmlands, damaging crops and pushing farmers to the brink of protest. With drainage systems blocked, incessant rains caused severe flooding in the farmlands preventing farmers from undertaking any agricultural work.
As per sources, the flooding has predominantly affected villages like Nisipur and Damaka, along with Ucchapada, Magura, and Gobindpur. In these areas, where 80% of the population depends on agriculture, the flooding has submerged crops that are reportedly under three feet of water.
As per complaints, farmers have repeatedly raised their concerns before local authorities, including the Collector, Tehsildar, BDO, and the current MLA, but to no avail. Many expressed their resentment over the government's inaction, citing unfulfilled promises and inadequate support. Farmers have expressed their frustrations and have warned of protests if the issue does not get resolved this time.
“Our forefathers were farmers and we also farm on this land. However, for the last ten years, we have not been able to cultivate on this piece of land because it is submerged under about 3 feet of water. All the companies that have been set up under the Utpada Panchayat have created the blockage. Even after multiple complaints, they are not taking any action because they had allowed these companies on our farmlands without our permission and now those companies are strongly denying to clear the blockades. The current MLA is using certain powerful people to keep the culverts blocked. We want the water to get drained as soon as possible so that we can use it for cultivation. If this issue is not resolved this time then we will definitely hold protests,” said a farmer.
“We are on the verge of dying because we do not have food. The amount of rice that we are receiving from the government is not enough most of the time. Upon raising this issue multiple times, authorities made fake promises. Earlier we used to have canals like Hati Khala Pola, and Gali Pola, through which the excess water got drained. But now that they are blocked it is flooding our farmlands. The previous government did not do anything regarding this matter but we are hopeful of the new government,” said another farmer.
Responding to this, Tangi-Choudwar Tehsildar said, “I had visited the particular spot, and the RI had also visited with me. I saw everything and all the places that are submerged and submitted a report to the RI. I had sent irrigation administrators to inquire and we are awaiting their reports. After receiving all the reports, we will issue show-cause notices and take action accordingly.”
