While disputes between Odisha and Chhattisgarh Governments are on over obstruction of water of the Mahanadi, a new demand is gaining momentum over constructing a barrage by Odisha at luhabaga-Amapali of Badkela river flowing through Raigarh township of Chhattisgarh State.
On entering Odisha at Kanaktura, the Badkela river merges with the Mahanadi river at Somalia village. If a barrage is constructed by the Odisha Government on the river, it would be in the interest of the agriculturists as the farming of 19 villages are fully dependent on the Badkelo river.
A dam, commonly known as lakha Dam, has also been constructed in the outer areas of the river before entering into Raigarh city.
The water of the dam, instead of fulfilling the requirements of Chhattisgarh’s Raigarh city, is being preserved for use by industries. On the other hand, the sewerage water of Raigharh city is polluting the water of Kelo river and posing health hazards for the people in the low-lying areas.
As per versions of the residents of the lower belts, the water flow has not gone down this summer and remained normal as usual. It has not affected agriculture in any manner. With lift irrigation point and irrigation facility, the summer kharif cultivation in these areas has been possible. But, there will be a problem in case the water is not released in future due to the dam in the upper catchment of Raigarh city, said Maa Samlei Water Panchayat president Goutam Sahu.
In this situation, construction of a barrage near Amapali dam is very much necessary for the farmers of Kanaktora and luhabaga residing by the Badkelo river. The agriculture prospects will be bright, if a bigger barrage is constructed by the Odisha Government near Amapali dam, added Sahu further.