Magsaysay awardee waterman of India Dr Rajendra Singh on Sunday alleged that the Tata company is working like the yesteryear’s East India Company by causing damages to rivers and destroying forests and environment preserved by the tribal people for generation together.
He further alleged that the company is harassing Adivasis by lodging false cases against them whenever they protest against such acts of the company.
The water man said this while visiting Pichhilghat, a disputed site on Sona river bank from where the
Tata Steel allegedly drew water for its mining activities by building an illegal construction for long. However, the company demolished the structure after a protest by locals. An intake water storage tank is still there.
Dr Singh urged the company to demolish the rest of the construction otherwise he will himself come again to do the same with local youths.
Then 'Sona' Bachao and 'Karo' Bachao Andolan, Barbil convenor Ashok Thakar escorted Dr Singh to other places where it is alleged that the Tata Steel is polluting the Sona river.
The water is scheduled to visit other places of Sona and Karo rivers polluted by the mines and factories. Among others, Mahanadi Bachao Andolan convenor Sudarshan Das and international scuba driver Sabeer Bux were present.