Nuapada, Aug. 4 (UDN): Hundreds of farmers from Khariar and Komna blocks of Odisha’s Nuapada district staged a demonstration outside the office of the Executive Engineer on Tuesday, demanding immediate action to expedite irrigation projects and ensure adequate water supply for agriculture.
The protesters alleged that several irrigation-related proposals have remained pending for years despite repeated representations to the authorities. They urged the department to fast-track the tender process so that irrigation infrastructure can be completed in time for the cultivation season.
Among their key demands were the early formation of fully functional Pani Panchayats, implementation of irrigation works in accordance with official guidelines, and filling of vacant posts in the irrigation department to improve project execution and monitoring.
The agitating farmers warned that continued delays could adversely affect farming activities and livelihoods. They also cautioned that the protest would be intensified if the administration failed to address their concerns within a reasonable timeframe.
Farmer representative Amaresh Patnaik said the demand for the Chandapala-I and Chandapala-II irrigation projects dates back to 2017. According to him, the projects eventually received technical clearance and administrative approval after years of follow-up, raising hopes among farmers that irrigation facilities would finally become a reality.
However, he expressed disappointment that the formation of the required Pani Panchayats, a crucial step for implementing the projects, has yet to be completed. He alleged that the delay has stalled further progress despite the projects receiving official approval.
Responding to the protest, Lower Indravati Irrigation Project Sub-Divisional Officer Ashutosh Mohanty said the farmers’ memorandum had been received and would be placed before senior officials. He informed the protesters that the tender process had already commenced and assured them that steps were also being taken to establish Pani Panchayats at the earliest.
Mohanty said the remaining demands would be discussed with higher authorities and appropriate decisions would be taken after necessary approvals. He added that the department would keep the farming community informed about the progress of the proposals.
The protest highlights the growing concern among farmers over delays in irrigation infrastructure, with many insisting that timely completion of projects is essential to secure water for cultivation and safeguard agricultural productivity in the region.