Proposed Samakoi River irrigation project in Odisha scrapped after public outrage

The proposed irrigation project on Samakoi River in Telkoi block of Keonjhar district will not be executed, following strong opposition from local residents. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced cancellation of the project on Sunday, citing public concerns.

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After the change of previous BJD-led government in the State, approval had been granted for Chakradhar Irrigation Project on the Samakoi River under Karadangi panchayat in Telkoi block.

While the project was expected to provide irrigation benefits to parts of Angul district, it also posed the risk of submerging several villages in Telkoi block.

Fearing large-scale displacement, local residents had been opposing the project for nearly four decades.

Despite sustained protests, there had been no clear communication on whether the project would be dropped or implemented. However, the Chief Minister, while addressing the public, officially declared that the project stands scrapped.

The CM assured that any future development project would be undertaken only at locations chosen by the Telkoi residents, and the State government would prioritise the interests of local people.

Notably, residents of Karadangi Panchayat had recently voiced their opposition during an OTV programme from ground zero.

The announcement was made today during the Golden Jubilee celebrations of a PM Shri High School in Telkoi block, where Chief Minister Majhi attended as the Chief Guest. This marked his first visit to Telkoi block after assuming office.

“I have scrapped the Chakradhar irrigation project. Financial provisions were made last year in the Budget, but after the project was opposed by Telkoi residents, I have stopped it. Whenever the residents want, I will go for a new project here. I have a fund of Rs 15,000 crore to take up irrigation projects during the next three years,” the CM said.