Nayagarh fishermen feel heat of Chhattisgarh projects on Mahanadi

Nayagarh: At a time when the Odisha and Chhattisgarh governments are at loggerheads over Mahanadi water, the adverse impact of the ongoing construction of barrages by the neighbouring State is now being felt in Nayagarh district.

As per sources, the river water flowing in several water bodies in 10 Gram Panchayats of Khandapada block in the district has dried up putting fishermen in much difficulty.

More than 5,000 fishing families residing in Siddhamula, Kantilo, Karabar and Manipur Gram Panchayats have been affected by the projects by Chhattisgarh.

While some fishermen have already quit their traditional occupation and started working as bonded labourers, others are still in search of work to eke out a living.

Though the district administration has provided all requirements for fishing, drying up of Mahanadi river has put the fishermen community in a quandary.

Bhapur block vice-chairman Gayadhar Parida said, “The fishermen were provided with various fishing tools, including nets and boats. But since water has dried up in several water bodies due to construction of barrages on Mahanadi river, the fishermen are now forced to look for alternatives.”