Nuapada: Families displaced due to the construction of Lower Indra Irrigation Project at Khariar in Nuapada have threatened to stall the inauguration of the new dam if the state administration fails to address their grievances at the earliest.
The people have alleged that as many as 10 villages were completely submerged whereas 20 others were partially submerged owing to the project. Those displaced were assured of adequate monetary compensation by the Odisha Government. However, even after 19 years, the persons have not received the compensation assured to them by the government.
On the other hand, some have alleged that the compensation they received was too little and not according to the provisions under the compensation policy of 1994.
The protest by Lower Indra Displaced Persons Association is being backed by various farmers’ association, social welfare groups as well as political outfits.
On the other hand, the Chief Engineer of the irrigation project has assured the displaced persons that adequate steps will be taken to ensure that they get due compensation as soon as possible. The aggrieved persons have given an ultimatum of February 23 and have threatened to hit the streets if the government fails to address their demands.
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Ms Kalinga