CPI(M) opposes Odisha river project on Kharasrota river

Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] has alleged that the diversion of the Kharasrota river water is being done for the benefit of industries in the region, rather than for supply piped water to people of adjoining Bhadrak district.

CPI(M) charged that the Odisha government’s decision divert the water will lead to depletion of water intake capacity and appealed that the natural flow of the river should be protected in the interest of Kendrapara residents, who are primarily agriculturists and the water source is important to them, according to the party’s veteran leader and former state secretary Janardan Pati.

Addressing journalists in Kendrapara last week, Pati flayed the government “for trampling the resistance movement against the mega drinking water project. “It leads one to believe that the project is being implemented to meet the water requirement of industries, including Dhamra port in Bhadrak district.”

According to him a proper environment impact assessment (EIA) has been done for the proposed project and it was improper on the part of the government to go ahead with its construction.

There have been protests across the district against the Rs 892 crore Buxi Jagabandhu Assured Water Supply to Habitations (BASUDHA) water project. In the light of the protests, orders prohibiting assembly of people have been enforced in Balakati,. Bharigada and Barunadiha panchayats.