Gunupur, April 28: After a long gap, the demand for the construction of the Panidangar irrigation project in Gudari block of Rayagada district has gained momentum again. The demand was raised during a press conference held at the local Dak Bungalow by the Kheta Mulia Sangathan, All India Agricultural Labourers Association, and CPI (ML) Liberation.
According to the organizations, the Katragada Phase-II project in Andhra Pradesh has received tribunal approval. Following this, hopes among local residents have increased for the execution of the Panidangar project. However, dissatisfaction has been expressed as the government has not yet shown adequate seriousness towards the project.
While Andhra Pradesh is utilizing water from the Vamsadhara River, farmers in Gunupur and nearby areas of Odisha are facing acute water scarcity. Although an office was opened and survey work for the Panidangar project began in 2004, construction has not started even to this day. The organizations allege that this reflects government negligence.
Leaders Tripati Gamang and Brundaban Bidika stated that both the central and state governments are adopting a delaying approach in the Vamsadhara water dispute, which has weakened Odisha’s position in the tribunal.
They warned that if work on the Panidangar project does not begin soon to protect the interests of farmers in Gunupur and Gudari, a mass आंदोलन (protest) will be launched. The organizations issued a strong warning: “Start the project or step down.”
As part of the agitation, a protest will be held in front of the Gunupur Sub-Collector’s office on April 29, and a memorandum will be submitted to the Prime Minister.
Leaders including Brundaban Bidika, Rajendra Majhi, Kantha L. Gamang, Ramesh Bidika, and Majes Bidika, along with many supporters, were present at the press conference.
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