Cuttack: A special meeting of the Lift Irrigation and Water Panchayat Mahasangha—formed with farmers and water panchayats from the 42 mouzas of Cuttack Sadar—was held at the shrine of Maa Baseli. Around 40 water panchayat officials from the region were present at the gathering.
The meeting discussed the current condition of lift irrigation systems and strongly opposed the exploitation of farmers by TPCODL (TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited) through the imposition of smart meters. It was alleged that TPCODL officials were forcefully collecting money from farmers, causing distress among water panchayat workers.
Despite repeatedly informing the district administration and the state government through various channels, no positive outcomes have been achieved. The farmers continue to demand free electricity for agricultural use and improved lift irrigation facilities. They believe that providing free electricity to farmers will benefit the farming community in the upcoming Legislative Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.
The Mahasangha’s General Secretary, Santosh Kumar Pati, announced that a signed memorandum highlighting the issues faced by farmers in lift irrigation will be submitted to the Chief Minister, MPs, MLAs, Agriculture Department, Energy Department, and all relevant district officials.
There was also a discussion on how to ensure timely and favorable conditions for the upcoming Akshaya Tritiya. The next meeting is scheduled for the 18th at the Kanaka Durga Temple in Bentkaranti, where representatives from all water panchayats will participate. Further decisions will be taken based on that discussion. Farmers from various regions attended this recent gathering.
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