Kotpad: While Odisha is rich in rivers and water resources, its fields are drying up, whereas Chhattisgarh’s farmlands are flourishing with river water. Due to the construction of barrages, most of the water is being diverted to Chhattisgarh, leaving more than 400 acres of farmland in Odisha barren. In strong opposition to this, BJD leaders and workers, with the support of local farmers, have broken the illegal barrage blocking the river flow. They have warned that Chhattisgarh’s dominance will no longer be tolerated. This issue is expected to be raised in the Odisha Legislative Assembly, questioning the state government’s soft approach toward its neighboring state.
Chhattisgarh’s Barrage Demolished
The protestors have warned that if the government does not take action, the agitation will intensify in the coming days. The Indravati River, originating from Thuamul Rampur in Kalahandi district, flows through Nabarangpur and Kotpad in Koraput district before reaching Chhattisgarh. In Sutipadar village of Kotpad block, the river splits into two branches, with one branch, Jaura River, irrigating over 2,000 hectares of farmland in seven panchayats of Kotpad block before merging with the Kolab River near Insali.