Noted Environmentalist, Rajendra Singh Joins 'Kharasrota Banchao' Movement In Odisha's Kendrapada

Amid the ongoing protests against the Kharasrota mega-piped drinking water project in Kendrapada, protestors on Tuesday (Aug 24) received support from noted environmentalist and 'Waterman of India', Dr Rajendra Singh.

As per reports, Singh joined the 'Kharasrota Banchao' movement to extend his support against the project. Following his arrival, Singh interacted with the media and warned the Odisha government that the project is not beneficial for the people of the state.

Meanwhile, the Congress party on Tuesday also sought the intervention of the Governor of Odisha in the matter. A fact-finding team from the party met Governor, Professor Ganeshi Lal, and presented a 3-point memorandum to him.

In the memorandum, the fact finding team asked the state government to provide water to people on priority basis. They insisted on the construction of a barrage to prevent the saline water from entering the farmlands of the people.

Congress also warned that if the state government fails to meet their demands and gives the water to private agencies, the party would intensify the protests against the project.

It is pertinent to mention that on August 14, the Kendrapara District Administration began execution of the mega-piped drinking water project on Kharasrota river amid tight security following intense protests by the locals.