Kendrapara: Villagers of Kanika block in Kendrapara along with a few social activists today staged a dharna and met the district collector over allegations of irregularities in coconut plantation drive in the district.
As per the allegations, around Rs 87 lakh was granted to Odisha Forest Development Corporation to plant 2000 coconut seeds in as many as six different places in the area.
However, only 10 per cent of the total plants are alive while all the rest have died. They further alleged that the existing plants are dying because of poor quality seeds, negligence in maintenance and demanded action against the persons involved in the scam.
“We blame the concerned department for this and persons involved in this corruption are thieves. There is no clarity where the total Rs 87 lakh fund has been used. They have claimed only 100 trees are alive and all of those are weak,” alleged Damodar Dhal, a villager.
Another local from Kanika, Nalini Prusti said, "Lakhs of rupees have been misutilised. They have not followed any government norms. We the people of Kanika met the District Collector for protection of our own heritage and property."
Meanwhile, Kendrapara Collector Reghu Ji has assured action and stated that a committee would be formed to inspect the plants on a monthly basis. “Responsibility will be fixed and action taken against whosoever is found responsible for the plantation loss. A committee comprising members of of Civil Society and officials will be formed to submit a monthly report to me after inspection of the health of the plants,” he said.