Bandh Against Irrigation Project Disrupts Normal Life in Keonjhar’s Telkoi

Keonjhar: A dawn to dusk bandh affected normal life in the Telkoi block of Keonjhar district on Tuesday. This bandh call was given by the Chakdar Project Closure Coordination Committee. The committee is demanding the withdrawal of the Samakoi-Chakdar irrigation project on the Samakoi River in the Kardangi panchayat.

Local political leaders and social organizations extended support to the bandh. Vehicular traffic was stalled in the area. Educational institutions, markets, and other business establishments also remained closed.

The protestors took out a rally and submitted a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister via the tehsildar. They demanded the complete closure of the Samakoi-Chakdar project.

Locals of the area are opposing the the proposed irrigation project for past 46 years with the fear that it will submerge a major portion of Telkoi block leading to displacement of many. They argue that this project will not benefit Keonjhar district but will irrigate land in the neighboring Angul district instead.

In the past, seven villages in Telkoi block were submerged due to the construction of the Baradhar irrigation project across the Ramial River in the Kaliahta area. It is alleged that some of the displaced persons are still deprived of government assistance. This has added fuel to the protests against the ongoing Samakoi-Chakdar project.