Bhabanipatana: Farmers in Kalahandi district have threatened to migrate outside the state if the government fails to provide compensation for the crop losses caused by floods in the Hati and Tel rivers in the last week of September.
According to the Revenue Department, heavy rain and flooding between September 22 and 25 damaged paddy crops over 4,368.70 hectares in Golamunda, Junagada, Dharmagada, Bhabanipatana, Kesinga and Koksara blocks.
Golamunda reported the highest crop damage at 1,270 hectares, followed by Junagada with 1,166 hectares, Dharmagada 1,046 hectares, Bhabanipatana 634.70 hectares, Kesinga 227 hectares and Koksara 24.40 hectares. Farmers said nearly 1,000 acres of paddy were completely destroyed in Sahajakana, Masigaon, Talmala, Murlapadar, Pariagaon, Chingudisara, Pani gaon, Jharabandh and Pariagada villages under Talmala panchayat of Junagada block.
After the floodwaters receded, the standing paddy began to rot, while large stretches of farmland were covered with sand. Water is still stagnant in some fields. Most of the affected farmers belong to poor families and had borrowed money to cultivate their land, hoping for a good harvest. However, the sudden flooding dashed their hopes.
The floodwaters also washed away the road connecting Sahajaka na and Chingudisara villages. Farmers claimed that the area witnessed such a severe flood for the first time since 1977. The affected farmers have submitted written petitions to the Junagada tehsildar and the District Collector, seeking compensation for their losses.
They said they would be forced to migrate outside the state in search of work if the government failed to provide relief soon. Farmers Markanda Banua, Krushnachandra Nag, Braja Manhira, Daya Hans, Siba Ram Sunani and Maruth expressed concern over the extent of the losses.
Additional Collector (Revenue) Baitaru Deep said damage assessment reports received from the field had been forwarded to the higher authorities and the state government. Further steps would be taken after the required funds are received, he said.
