Jalaput dam displaced protest government apathy

Koraput: Alleging indifferent attitude of the State Government towards their demands, around 3,000 villagers displaced due to the Jalaput dam in Koraput district attempted to barge into the Collectorate on Wednesday.

A scuffle also ensued between police officials deployed at the spot and the agitating villagers, reports said.

Later, the villagers staged demonstration in front of the Collector’s office over nine-point charter of demands including adequate compensation, rehabilitation, setting up of a lift irrigation and provision for job, water and electricity.

“There are no facilities for healthcare, electric supply and road communication. If our demands are not met, residents of eight panchayats will not cast our votes during the ensuing elections,” stated an agitating woman, Tulama Matam.

It was only after the intervention and assurance from Koraput Collector, K. Sudarsan, the agitators called off their agitation. However, they threatened to boycott elections and relocate to neighbouring Andhra Pradesh if their demands are not fulfilled before the deadline.

“A plan of action is being chalked out for overall infrastructural development, irrigation and provision for jobs. We always take appropriate measures to meet the demand of people,” said the Collector.