A civil society body, which is spearheading movements against supply of water from Budhabalanga river to industries, has threatened to intensify the agitation.
Association secretary Manoj Nayak, who is also secretary of the Baleswar Bar association, said, “We have already approached every level from district Collector to the Chief Minister. But all our requests have fallen in deaf ears. We have no other means left except to step up our agitation.”
While the last Collector had stated that nothing would be done without a public hearing, the incumbent Collector is yet to take any follow up action. But, we now find the work which was stalled for about a month has resumed, he said.
Notably, the North Odisha Chamber of Commerce and Industry( Nocci) has been playing a proactive role for the cause of industries in the northern districts of the State.
The Water Resources Department has accorded approval to Idco for allocation of 9 cumsec water with certain conditions and restrictions.
The industries in Balgopalpur and Somnathpur will take water from Budhabalanga, informed Nayak.
Noted environmentalists, including Rajinder Singh and Medha Patekar, have already opposed the move to provide Bhudhabalang water to these projects.
“loot of natural resources can’t be tolerated in the name of development. The life and livelihood would be at stake once they were plundered by few handful vested interest groups. Water is the gift of nature and common people and farmers can’t be deprived of getting it in the name of industrialization,” said laxmidhar Behera, another member of the body.
He said geo scientists have already stated that the plateau between Dhamra and Haldipada is weak and overdrawing of water could result into ecological imbalance.