The Odisha Krushak Mahasangh (OKM) said the State Government’s move to implement the National Waterway (5) in the State will prove futile as the inflow of water in almost all major rivers, particularly in the Brahmani, has receded by 70 per cent in last 20 years.
Alleging that the Government has taken the decision without surveying the water inflow of Brahmani and other rivers, OKM president and former MlA Bibhudhendra Pratap Das said due to insufficient water, nearly 99 per cent boat jetties across the State are lying defunct, while the revenue collection from the source has decreased by 50 per cent.
“There is no water at the Khalpal Ghat in Brahmani river that passes through Talcher town. Similarly, other boast jetties in the river cut a sorry figure too. In this context, it is surprising to find the Government mulling to implement the ambitious project in Brahmani river,” Das asserted.
Notably, of the 588-km National Waterway (5), the State Government has identified a 323-km stretch connecting Talcher coal belt to Paradip and Dhamra ports as economically viable.
“The chief engineer of the National Waterways Authority has said that at least five barrages will be constructed at various places in the Brahmani. It means a vast stretch of agricultural land will be submerged and hundreds of people will be displaced,” said Das.
Sources said Brahmani-Kharasrota-Mahanadi river system mainly constitutes the new waterway to be developed. The proposed project envisages connecting Geonkhali, Charbatia, Dhamra, Mangalagadi, Mahanadi delta, Paradip, Talcher and Jakodia.
He said due excess mining activities in the upper catchment of Kuna and Suna streams flowing from Sundargarh district and entering Keonjhar district at Katesahi-Chormalda, the denizens of these areas are now experiencing water scarcity during summer.
“We urge the Government to take pragmatic measures to address the water scarcity issue in the rivers before embarking on the project,” said Das.