Post News Network
Kaliapani, August 27: Construction of Rengali left canal in Sukinda tehsil of Jajpur district was severely hit after residents of Garamian and Siriakhali rose in protest demanding a second bridge on the canal.
Demanding construction of a second bridge at the entry point of Siriakhali village, hundreds of men and women staged a sit-in outside the camp office of the construction firm Durga Construction Wednesday.
The villagers led by ward member Parbati Munda and village head Chaitanya Munda gave slogans and objected to the canal construction without taking their demand into consideration. They alleged that the villagers of Garamian and Siriakhali will be put to untold sufferings if a separate bridge is not constructed. They warned that if their demands were not met within a fortnight then they would be forced to stop all works of the canal.
They claimed they will have to move their cattle for three to five km daily to take them to the pasture land if the canal is constructed at the place. Villagers of Siriakhali have no alternatives but the main road to take their cattle for grazing which is the main source of their livelihood.
They will even face difficulties carrying out daily chores. They alleged although the higher authorities were aware of their demand, they are yet to take a decision to mitigate their sufferings.
On being informed, Rengali left canal, division-3 DFO Nabakishore Sahu rushed to the spot and placated villagers assuring them to look into their demands.
When contacted, Sahu said according to the original plan there will be a bridge in each revenue village. However, as the villagers insist on a second bridge this has to be brought to the notice of the higher authorities, he added.
