Highlighting the drinking water crisis in several parts under his Baleswar constituency, which includes a part of the neighbouring Mayurbhanj district, MP RK Jena on Wednesday in the Parliament demanded needful action stating the matter as “an issue of serious concern” .
He besides demanding that water be brought under the Concurrent Subject list also demanded construction of irrigation projects at Badasahi and Raibania of Baleswar district. These projects would not only cater to the drinking water requirements but also would help agricultural activities of that region.
Jena, besides stating that the groundwater level has depleted alarmingly in certain patches of Baleswar and Mayurbhanj, urged the Central Government to address the issue.
Jena also mentioned that the inhabitants in the dry pockets are encountering untold miseries and suggested that water be brought under the Concurrent list from the State list.
Villagers of as many as eight GPs, including Rasalpur, Inchudi, Jaydevksaba and Gudu, and their nearby patches of Baleswar district hardly have accesses to adequate drinking water. These GPs should be provided water by bringing the river water which is available at a distance of 25 km, he said.
The MP further said that a major irrigation project should be constructed over the river Gangadhar which would benefit a population of about 1.5 lakh tribals of Badasahi block in Mayurbhanj district. Another irrigation project should be constructed over the river Subarnarekha after renovating the Rajabandha water tank at Raibania.
“Over the years the Raibania patch is facing severe water crisis,” said Jena.