Angul: Standing crops on several acres of farmland on the outskirts of Angul town were destroyed after a pipe carrying slurry ash of NALCO burst open, sources said Wednesday. The burst in the NALCO ash pipeline late Monday night flooded fields in Tentoi and Tenoloi villages under Banarpal block in the district. More than 5 acres of paddy fields were inundated, leaving farmers distressed as the crops were ready for harvest. Farmers say they informed the NALCO authorities about the development but they are yet to take steps to repair the pipeline, or make a spot visit and take stock of the situation.
Farmers alleged that the pipeline is getting ruptured frequently, but NALCO authorities have ignored repeated complaints and failed to repair the damaged pipeline. The rising frustration has prompted villagers to prepare for a rail blockade, sources said. Several farmers, including Tarani Sen Naik, Rajkishore Naik, Lambodar Naik, Kailash Naik, Lochan Naik and Saja Naik and several others of Tentoi village lost their standing crops as the ash water overflowed into their farmlands. “This happened right during harvest season. We can’t salvage anything. Nalco should investigate the damage, compensate us and repair the pipeline immediately,” farmer Ratikanta Naik said. When contacted, NALCO Executive Director Sachidananda Jena said that he is unaware of the incident as he is out of station, but very soon will take stock of the matter and take necessary action in this regard.
