Post News Network
Nuapada, May 14: The Governor has asked the Nuapada collector to submit a report on compensation given to people affected by an irrigation project constructed on river Sundar under Komna block in the district 39 years ago. The Governor’s order was based on complaints by affected people who alleged non-receipt of compensation despite repeated reminders.
In their complaints, the project-affected people said several farmers are yet to receive compensation for their fertile land which got submerged due to the project. The authorities concerned have also not paid compensation to the people who owned land in low-lying areas near the spillway of the irrigation project. The complaints demanded a detailed survey of the areas submerged by the project and compensation as per prevailing market rate.
Places completely submerged by the project included Ghaentmal of Darlipada, Putkulapada of Manikaguda, Junakatapada of Ichhapur, Bairagidora of Jadamunda and Samaratpada of Hatisara villages. The locals have demanded compensation as per rehabilitation and resettlement policy of the state government in 2006 and other benefits for the affected people of the above mentioned villages.
The complaints also said a few villagers have not received any damages towards their ponds, wells, houses, trees and other assets which were submerged due to the project. The complainants also sought a complete rehabilitation package for the people of Ichhapur, located a few metres away from the dam, as the water spreads to the village during monsoon, posing threat to the village’s existence. The affected villagers had sent their complaints to the Governor April 9. The Governor’s office directed the collector to take action in this regard. The project-hit villagers submitted the communiqué from the Governor’s office to the collector Thursday.
