A district level action group to save the Baitarani was formed under the leadership of Waterman Rajendra Singh in Keonjhar.
During a discussion with the citizens and activists on the threat on the river Baitarani, Agami Odisha convenor Sudarsan Das shared his experience in fighting for the Mahanadi in the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and his success in getting a stay order on the projects carried out by Chhattisgarh.
Several movements to save the Baitarani have taken place in different forums and groups but the crisis still remains unsolved. Hence, to consolidate and unite all these forums the action group should work in a systematic manner to prevent exploitation, encroachment and pollution of the river which is the life line of Keonjhar district, said Singh.
Already the Government is keen to supply Baitarani water to mines and industries for iron transportation, washing and other needs without any concern for drinking water, irrigation and other eco-systems. Already the flow of the sacred river has been decreasing due to depletion of forest and rampant soil erosion in the catchment area. There is a threat to the river as some of its tributaries have already started dying. The action group has decided to meet on August 9 to finalise the course of action to save the Baitarani, said Progressive Citizens Forum president Dhirendra Rout.
On the occasion, Sudarsan Das and Rajendra Singh were felicitated by different forums for their action to save the Mahanadi in Odisha. The meeting was organized by the Progressive Citizens Forum and the Green Rotary Club where representatives from various walks of life joined.