Locals oppose irrigation project in Bargarh, seek euthanasia

Bargarh: As many as 30,000 people of Padmapur sub-division in Bargarh district have written to President Ramnath Kovind, seeking permission for euthanasia as mark of opposition against a proposed mega irrigation project over Ong river.

The villagers stated they would prefer to ‘die’ instead of being displaced by the irrigation project. They claimed as many as 6,288 families of 32 mouzas will be displaced by the project.

While 11 mouzas will be completely submerged, 25 villages will be partially affected, villagers claimed. Besides, 3,913 hectares private land, 212 hectares forest land and 974.98 hectares other categories land will be inundated, the villagers added.

"We are opposing the irrigation project as many people will be displaced. At a time when displacement cases due to other projects in the State are yet to be settled and people are suffering, we do not want to be displaced. Instead we would prefer euthanasia and therefore, we have written to the President," said Ramesh Barik, a member of Anganadi Pratirodh Committee which is spear heading the protest.

Echoing similar views, Jai Kisan Andolan Sangh secretary, Ramesh Mohaptara stated, "We are witnessing the suffering of displaced people. For example, Hirakud dam displaced are yet to be rehabilitated."