Odisha villagers oppose irrigation project, demand cancellation

Residents of Chakadar panchayat staged a protest on Tuesday against a proposed irrigation project on the Samakoi River in Telkoi block of Keonjhar district. Locals fear that the project, if implemented, could submerge several villages in the block, threatening homes, farmlands, and livelihoods.

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To express their opposition, the villagers organised a rally and submitted a memorandum to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi through the local tehsildar, demanding that the project be halted immediately.

The agitation gained momentum as community members continued to hold demonstrations and press authorities for action.

Meanwhile, the protest has also received support from Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan, a local farmers’ organisation, amplifying the call for cancellation of the project.

Despite repeated appeals and rallies, the district administration has not yet responded to the demands of the residents.

With tensions rising over the potential impact of Samakoi irrigation project, locals remain determined to press their case and safeguard their homes and agricultural lands.

“Pallahara and Telkoi are not India and Pakistan. One State (Odisha) has a democratic government, which has come to power by virtue of the people’s mandate. Whatever you (the government) do must be done as a policy matter,” Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan coordinator, Seshadeba Nanda, said during the protest.

“You (the State government) will construct a 10-kilometre project for some people, and at the same time submerge several others belonging to more than 10 villages. We have been opposing such an illogical decision,” the outfit functionary stated.

“A balanced arrangement should be made. No need to construct a mega irrigation project and thereby trouble others. Better, a micro project can be built,” Nanda added.

No comments were received from the authorities concerned.