Keonjhar: After an interregnum of more than three years, the construction work of Kanpur Irrigation Project resumed amid tight security near Basudevpur in the district today.
Apprehending possible law and order situation, the district administration slapped prohibitory orders under section-144 of CrPc on the project site with deployment of 20 platoons of police force.
The work was halted since March 2016 following strong resistance by the displaced people who have been opposing the project demanding more compensation as per rehabilitation and resettlement policy and land against land. Many of the displaced people are yet to get the complete compensation amount, they alleged.
Affected families under the banner of Kanpur Displaced Committee met yesterday to decide on their future course of action, sources said.
The major irrigation project is coming up over river Baitarani near Basudevpur village under Champua sub-division in the district.
The project was conceived 40 years ago and three chief ministers have laid its foundation on different occasions. The project, once functional, will facilitate irrigation to around 30,000 hectare land spread over five blocks of the district.
It will also help controlling flood in Anandapur area of Keonjhar, Jajpur and Bhadrak districts. Around 15 villages, however, will be submerged due to the project and thousands of people, mostly tribals will be displaced.