Paralakhemundi: There is no end to the conspiracies being hatched by neighbouring states to plunder the natural resources of the state.
While Chhattisgarh tried to use a lion’s share of Mahanadi water by setting up a series of barrages, Andhra Pradesh has set up Polavaram project that threatens to submerge many parts of Orissa.
In a fresh development, AP has set its eyes on Mahendra Tanaya, one of the major rivers of south Orissa, what with the construction of an offshore reservoir at Regilipadu near Gajapati border, a report said.
While residents of Gajapati are worried about AP’s sinister design, silence of the district administration has baffled many.
According to sources, a state level team of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) recently visited Regilipadu and spotted the ongoing construction. They informed this to this correspondent and raised questions about the silence of the administration.
People of Gajapati apprehend that the reservoir project would draw the river water to Andhra Pradesh leaving residents of many areas including Paralakhemundi town parching for water.
On the other hand, the district administration has no information about the project, it was learnt.
Earlier, the state government had announced Dambapur and Champapur projects to counter AP’s project at Miliaputty, a lower catchment area of Mahendra Tanaya. The foundation stone of Dambapur project was laid April 30, 2008 with a lot of fanfare. However, the project is yet to be completed even though 10 years have passed while the fate of Chamapur project hangs in balance.
The district wing of the BJP would stage a demonstration if the state government does not take appropriate measures in this regard, warned G Venkatrabana.
Terming the development as a serious issue, Gajapati citizens’ committee vice-president said the state government should immediately swing into action. When contacted, Collector Anupam Shaha said he would examine the matter and take required steps in this regard.
On the other hand, Dambapur project assistant engineer Sanjay Rath said 90 per cent work of mechanical section has been completed and the project would be commissioned within a year. PNN