A protest and demonstration were organized by the Congress District unit in front of the Collector’s office at Nuapada on account of destruction of crops due to the drying up of the Patora Dam.
Led by the President of the District Congress Committee Ghasiram Majhi, many members of Congress along with their leaders and farmers took out a rally and then went on a dharna outside the Collector’s office.
The demonstrators stated that Patora Dam is the lifeline of the district in terms of socio-economic growth, since thousands of farmers, agriculturists, small businessmen, and families in the village rely on the same for irrigation and income generation. The lack of management in irrigation facilities has not only caused the loss of crops but also created unemployment, debt, poverty, migration, and unrest among people in the area.
According to the demonstrators, the canals were not repaired in time, water was not provided to farmers for irrigation for about 60 days as per the schedule, and departmental supervision was not carried out properly.
The leaders of the Congress insisted on a detailed probe into the matter along with the punishment of the concerned government officials accused of mishandling the problem. Apart from that, the farmers’ affected areas should be declared as drought-prone and they should get compensation of ₹30,000 per acre as an aid.
Towards evening, Additional District Magistrate Subash Chandra Rait and Sub-Collector Surmi Soren visited the protest venue and interacted with the farmers. Moreover, a 10-point memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister was handed over through the District Collector.
Various Congress leaders and local personalities were present at the protest site.
