Locals protest ‘illegal construction’ on Daya river bank in Puri

Residents of Pipili, Delanga, Kanas and Satyabadi blocks in Puri are protesting an alleged illegal construction work on Daya river bank in Puri.

As per the allegation by the residents, a construction company is building a concrete wall on the banks of Daya river at Kanti Gram Panchayat under Pipili block. Villagers residing near the river bank are fearing that the course of the river may change due to the concrete wall. As a result, the river may engulf many villages.

“A barricade is being constructed around 100 acres of area on Daya river bank at Kanti. Around 50 per cent of Daya water passes on that patch. The embankment of Daya will collapse due to the barricade and the flood water will engulf hundreds of villages in the process,” said Sudarshan Pradhan, State general Secretary of Samajwadi party.

“A man-made natural disaster is certainly going to happen because of this illegal construction work on Daya bank. We demand stern action against the construction company,” said Sachikanta Pradhan, the convener of Daya Surakhya Abhijana Committee.

Local people, intellectuals and leaders of various political parties under the banner of ‘Daya Surakhya Abhijana Committee’ staged a stir against the construction work. The members of the committee met Pipili Tehsildar and submitted a memorandum against the construction work.

Meanwhile, Pipili Tehsildar, Poonam Mohapatra said that an investigation into the allegation is underway. Proper action will be taken after the completion of the investigation.

“After receiving the complaint against the construction work, I have ordered the police and RI to visit the spot and stop the work immediately,” said Mohapatra.