nTo save Indravati river, the life-line of Bastar, a group of local residents the other day embarked on a foot-march (Padyatra) from Bhejapadar village situated along Chhattisgarh-Odisha border from where the river enters the state.
The local residents first paid obeisance at Maa-Danteshwari temple at Jagdalpur before starting the foot-march and reached the Bhejapadar village.
The villagers of villages that fall on the route of the march also joined the marchers. The team members on their way explaining to the people about the need to save the river and what steps can be taken in that regard. On day one, 5 kilometres track up to Upanpal was covered.
The marchers are demanding of the Odisha government to release water from Katiguda dam as per the water agreement between the two states so that the lone river in the Bastar region gets adequate water to quench the thirst of Bastar residents.
The Bastar division will face unprecedented water crises if the river dries up.
They are also urging Chhattisgarh government to complete the incomplete structure constructed on the Jora Nala which is pending since years.
Padma Shri recipient social worker Dharampal Saini, who also took part in the march said: “Since childhood we have been seeing the river but such a situation never existed.
There is need for creating awareness among people towards the river. The foot-march is to draw attention of governments as well as the people.”
Sarva Adivasi Samaj president Dashrat Kashyap said, “People living on the banks of the river are concerned that if it dries up then their livelihood of farming will be affected. The water availability for daily use will also be reduced.
Therefore, water flow in the river should be adequate even during the dry season. That is why the agitation has commenced.”