Clash Over Water in Odisha; 1 killed, several injured

Cuttack: The ongoing dispute over sharing of water from a pond between the people of Sagar and Panchagochhia villages under Narsinghpur area of Cuttack district took a violent turn on Sunday.

One person was killed while 10 persons sustained critical injures after a fierce clash broke out between the residents of the two villages today. The deceased has been identified as Sridhar Samal of Sagar village.

Sources said both locals of both the villagers depend on the water of Chamundapali pond for irrigating their land, whenever there is water scarcity. This often had led to clash and scuffle between the villagers.

In view of the drought-like situation due to deficient rainfall this monsoon season, the embankment of pond was dug to ensure water supply for irrigating the farm lands of Panchagochhia residents following the direction of local tehsildar on July 23.

Protesting the tehsildar’s move, Sagar villagers had staged dharna outside his office on the same day. Later, the issue was amicably resolved following a meeting between the residents of Panchagochhia and Sagar villages in the presence of the tehsildar on July 25.

However, trouble erupted after the residents of Sagar village allegedly tried to fetch water from the pond which was vehemently opposed by the opponent group.

Following the clash, all the injured persons were rushed to Narsinghpur Community Health Centre for treatment.

On getting information, police rushed to the spot and initiated an investigation into the matter. Adequate police forces have been deployed in both the villages to avoid any untoward situation.