Kotpad; Two and a half years ago, farmers in several villages of the Bhan Suli Panchayat in the Kotpad block of Koraput district had applied online to avail the benefits of the Biju Krushak Vikash Yojana. General category individuals deposited ₹20,000, and SC/ST category individuals deposited ₹10,000 in the Union Bank. However, after two and a half years, the canal construction has not been completed, and only false assurances have been given. Recently, farmers have complained that the concerned departmental authorities are avoiding the issue.
Around 40 farmers have reported that their agricultural land has not received any water due to the unavailability of the canal water. As a result, their fields have become dry, and they are now forced to look for work outside Odisha due to the lack of agricultural opportunities. Even this year, during the Kharif season, farmers have not received any water for irrigation, and during the Rabi season, they are completely dependent on rainfall.
The canal construction was supposed to be completed 20 years ago in Bhan Suli village, but till today, no water has been provided through the canal. Farmers who deposited money under the Biju Krushak Vikash Yojana two and a half years ago are still waiting for the construction of the canal and the water supply for irrigation. Despite repeated complaints to the administration, no action has been taken so far, and the situation remains unresolved. The local and district administration have yet to take any steps to address the farmers’ problems and ensure that the canal is constructed and water reaches the agricultural lands.