Public hearing before Sindol project: Min
Source : Press Trust of India
published on : 8/3/2011 9:18:23 PM
Bhubaneswar: With resentment brewing in three districts of western Orissa over NHPC's Sindol project, the state government on Wednesday said it would conduct public hearings before implementing Rs 2,600 crore hydel project.
"We will take views of the local people before going ahead with the project," state energy minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak told reporters here.
Though the state government had been claiming that no one would be displaced or no agricultural land be submerged due to Sindol project, to be implemented in a joint venture between the public sector NHPC and the state-owned OHPC, the local people did not accept it.
According the MoU signed between NHPC and OHPC in presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on July 21, Sindol project would have three different hydro-power generation stations with installed capacity of 320 MW. The hydel power generation stations would be located in Sambalpur, Sonepur and Boudh districts.
The people in Sonepur on Wednesday observed a 12-hour bandh at the district headquarters opposing Sindol project.
The controversy over the Sindol project had meanwhile taken political turn with opposition Congress and BJP demanding clarification from the state government. The ruling BJD MLAs from the three districts have also expressed their concern over the state government's action of signing MoU for Sindol project without reading public mind.
Health minister Prasanna Acharya, food and supplies minister Niranjan Pujari and former minister and sitting Birmaharajpur MLA Padmanav Behera, have meanwhile expressed their displeasure over the state government's action of going ahead with the controversial Sindol project without consulting the people's representatives.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Mahanadi
Collector assures Inquiry into crop damage
Indian Express 25th July 2011
Sambalpur: Enraged farmers met Sambapur Collector Mrinalini Darswal here on Monday demanding adequate compensation for paddy crop damaged due to emission from the smelter plant of Hindalco at Hirakud. They were led by Sambapur Zilla Krushak Surakhya Sanghatan (SZKSS) president Murari Prasad Purohit.
Darswal assured the farmers to visit damaged farms and take up the issue with Hindalco management. On 23rd July farmers from Nua Jamda, dengimocha and Mohmadpur villages in the vicinity of the smelter plant of Hindalco found their paddy sapling damaged due to release of Suspended particulate matter (SPM) from the plant. Paddy sapling in over 25 acres of land across in three villages were destroyed while standing crop on about 15 acres in Nua Jamda village were damaged.
Later the villagers informed the deputy director of agriculture Ashok Mohanty who dispatched a team of scientists to the spot. The team confirmed damage to the crops.
Indian Express 25th July 2011
Sambalpur: Enraged farmers met Sambapur Collector Mrinalini Darswal here on Monday demanding adequate compensation for paddy crop damaged due to emission from the smelter plant of Hindalco at Hirakud. They were led by Sambapur Zilla Krushak Surakhya Sanghatan (SZKSS) president Murari Prasad Purohit.
Darswal assured the farmers to visit damaged farms and take up the issue with Hindalco management. On 23rd July farmers from Nua Jamda, dengimocha and Mohmadpur villages in the vicinity of the smelter plant of Hindalco found their paddy sapling damaged due to release of Suspended particulate matter (SPM) from the plant. Paddy sapling in over 25 acres of land across in three villages were destroyed while standing crop on about 15 acres in Nua Jamda village were damaged.
Later the villagers informed the deputy director of agriculture Ashok Mohanty who dispatched a team of scientists to the spot. The team confirmed damage to the crops.
Sindhol Updates
Shutdown in Orissa against power plantshttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Bhubaneswar, Aug 9 (IANS) Normal life was affected in two Orissa districts Tuesday with people blocking roads and carrying out marches to protest proposed power plants in the area.
Vehicles went off the road in several places of Sambalpur and Boudh districts due to the daylong shutdown called by Kosal Kranti Dal and Sambalpur Lawyers Association.
Shops, business establishments, schools and colleges were also found closed in leading towns in both the districts, a senior police officer from the region told IANS.
Train services were also affected as protestors squatted on rail tracks at places like Rairakhol and Sambalpur, he said.
The state-run NHPC Ltd last month signed a pact with the state government to set up hydropower plants in Subarnapur (100 MW), Sambalpur (100 MW) and Boudh (120 MW) districts across Mahanadi river in western Orissa.
The government said there will be no displacement due to these projects. It said public hearings will be held in the project area in view of opposition.
However, residents are not buying the arguments.
"The government should scrap the project. Why does the government want to conduct public hearings when the projects are already facing opposition," P.K. Rath, a protest leader, told IANS.
The hydropower generating company will build the plants in five years' time in a joint venture with the Orissa state-run Hydro Power Corporation with a combined investment of Rs.2,600 crore to generate 320 MW power.
Protestors said the projects would hit at least 118 villages wholly or partially and would bring untold miseries and devastation to people of the area.
People also fear the plants will submerge several temples, including the world famous Huma Temple in Sambalpur district.
"People had stoutly opposed this project in the past, why is the government pursuing it again and again," another protestor asked.
Bhubaneswar, Aug 9 (IANS) Normal life was affected in two Orissa districts Tuesday with people blocking roads and carrying out marches to protest proposed power plants in the area.
Vehicles went off the road in several places of Sambalpur and Boudh districts due to the daylong shutdown called by Kosal Kranti Dal and Sambalpur Lawyers Association.
Shops, business establishments, schools and colleges were also found closed in leading towns in both the districts, a senior police officer from the region told IANS.
Train services were also affected as protestors squatted on rail tracks at places like Rairakhol and Sambalpur, he said.
The state-run NHPC Ltd last month signed a pact with the state government to set up hydropower plants in Subarnapur (100 MW), Sambalpur (100 MW) and Boudh (120 MW) districts across Mahanadi river in western Orissa.
The government said there will be no displacement due to these projects. It said public hearings will be held in the project area in view of opposition.
However, residents are not buying the arguments.
"The government should scrap the project. Why does the government want to conduct public hearings when the projects are already facing opposition," P.K. Rath, a protest leader, told IANS.
The hydropower generating company will build the plants in five years' time in a joint venture with the Orissa state-run Hydro Power Corporation with a combined investment of Rs.2,600 crore to generate 320 MW power.
Protestors said the projects would hit at least 118 villages wholly or partially and would bring untold miseries and devastation to people of the area.
People also fear the plants will submerge several temples, including the world famous Huma Temple in Sambalpur district.
"People had stoutly opposed this project in the past, why is the government pursuing it again and again," another protestor asked.
Odisha Environment
Environment Minister Natarajan says 31 projects from Orissa awaiting environmental clearance
Report by OrissaDiary.com correspondent; New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jayanthi Natarajan says 31 projects from Orissa awaiting environmental clearance.
A total of 31 projects from Orissa in the sectors of industry, mining and port projects are awaiting environmental clearance as on 31.07.2011 with the Ministry of Environment & Forests.
The perceived delay in according environmental clearance inter-alia includes non-compliance of the procedures of the EIA Notification 2006 and Circulars of the Ministry, inadequate information on critical environmental parameters, and deficiencies in the Environmental Management Plans by the project proponents.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan in a written reply to a question by Shrimati Renubala Pradhan in Rajya Sabha today.
List of Projects in Orissa Pending for Environmental Clearance
Name of Projects
1. Sponge Iron Plant at District Cattack, Orissa by M/s Virajaa Steel & Power (P) Limited
2. Integrated Steel Plant at District Dhaenkanal, Orissa by M/s Bhushan Steel Limited
3. Integrated steel complex at Village lPotapali/Sikirdi, District Sambalpur, Orissa by M/s. Rathi Steel and Power Limited.
4. Expansion of production of Fibre Cement Corrugated Sheets Accessories from 8,56,000 MTPA to 12,50,000 MTPA at Korian District Dhenkanal Orissa by M/s UAL Orissa Limited (MRPL)
5. Expansion of Integrated Steel Plant at Topadih in District Keonjhar Orissa by M/s. Deepak Steel & Power Limited
6. Expansion of Clinker Grinding unit at Jharsuguda Cement Works district Jharsuguda Orissa by M/s. Ultra Tech Cement Limited
7. Expansion of existing Pellet Plant with 0.1 MTPA Integrated Steel Plant at Matkambeda Industrial Estate District Keonjhar Orissa by M/s. Arya Iron & Steel Co. Private Limited
8. Integrated Seel Complex at Katasahi District Keonjhar Orissa by M/s. Kamaljeet Singh Alhuwalia
B. NON-COAL MINING
9. Dubna-Sakradih Iron & Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Orissa Mining Corporation Ltd., Village(s) Handibhanga, Jampani, Badakalimati, Dubuna, Purunadih, Naibaga and Basantpur, District Keonjhar
10. Talangi Chromite Mine “B” of M/s. IDCOL Ferro Chrome & Alloys Ltd. located at Distt. Jajpur
11. Chhuinpalli Quartzite Mining Project of M/s Tata, Village Chhuinpalli, district Jharsuguda
12 Kasia Iron Ore Mines of M/s Tej Bahadur Lal located at Vill-Kasia, Distt-Keonjhar
13 Sanindpur iron & Manganese Mine of M/s National Enterprises located at Distt. Sundergarh
14 Bhadrasahi Iron and Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Orissa Minerals Deevlopment Co. Ltd. , Village Bhadrasahi, District Keonjhar
15 Thakurani Iron Ore Mining Project of M/s Kaypee Enterprises located in Village Thakurani, Tehsil Barbil, District Keonjhar
16 Bhadrasahi (Kolha-Roida) Iron & Manganese Ore Mine of M/s (Bharat Process & Mechanical Engineers Ltd.) C/O The Orissa Minerals Development Co. Ltd., Village Bhadrasahi, Distt. Keonjhar
17 Nuagaon Iron Ore Beneficiation Plant of M/s Kamaljeet Singh Ahluwalia, Village Guali & Barpada, Distt. Keonjhar
18 EC for Bolani Ore Mines of M/s SAIL, Distt. Keonjhar
19 Tikarpara Pyrophyllite & Quartzite Mines of M/s Banwarilall Newatia, Village Tikarpara & Ambadhara, Distt. Keonjhar
20 Expansion of Khondbond Iron & Manganese Ore Mine of M/s Tata Steel Ltd., Village Khandbond, Tehsil Barbil, Distt. Keonjhar
21 15 MTPA Iron Ore Washing & Beneficiation Plant of M/s Sarda Mines Pvt.Ltd., Village Soyabali, Tehsil-Barbil, Distt.Keonjhar
22 Expansion of Iron Ore Mine of M/s Kalinga Mining Corp., Village Joruri & Khandbandh, Distt. Keonjhar
23 Gonua Iron & Manganese Mines of M/s M.G. Mohanty, Village Gonua, Distt. Sundergarh
24 Jalahuri Iron and Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Mala Roy & Others, Village Jalahuri, District Keonjhar
25 Environmental Clearance of Inganijharan Iron & Manganese Ore Mines of M/s Bhanja Minerals Pvt. Ltd located at Vill-Dadwan&Khuntapani, Distt-Keonjhar
C. COAL MINING
26 Basundhara OCP (2.4 MTPA to 8 MTPA and increase in lease area from 401 ha to 437.10 ha) of M/s MCL, Dist. Sundergarh
27- Expn. of Coal Beneficiation Plant (2 MTPA to 4 MTPA) of M/s Global Coal & Mining Pvt. Ltd., dist. Angul
28- Talabira-1 Coal Mine Project (expansion from 1.5 MTPA to 3 MTPA over 170.305 ha) of M/s HINDALCO located in district Sambalpur
29 Establishment of 5 MTPA Coal Washery of M/s Monnet Ispat & Energy Ltd., located at village Malibrahamani, Tehsil Chendipeda, Dist. Angul
D. PORT PROJECTS
30 Development of all weather deepwater port (phase-I and Phase II only) at Subarnarekha River, Balasore Dt., Orissa by M/s Creative Port Development Pvt. Ltd.
31 Development of Southern Dock Complex for construction of Multi-Purpose Clear Cargo Terminal and Oil terminal at Paradip Port of M/s Paradip Port Trust
Report by OrissaDiary.com correspondent; New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jayanthi Natarajan says 31 projects from Orissa awaiting environmental clearance.
A total of 31 projects from Orissa in the sectors of industry, mining and port projects are awaiting environmental clearance as on 31.07.2011 with the Ministry of Environment & Forests.
The perceived delay in according environmental clearance inter-alia includes non-compliance of the procedures of the EIA Notification 2006 and Circulars of the Ministry, inadequate information on critical environmental parameters, and deficiencies in the Environmental Management Plans by the project proponents.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan in a written reply to a question by Shrimati Renubala Pradhan in Rajya Sabha today.
List of Projects in Orissa Pending for Environmental Clearance
Name of Projects
1. Sponge Iron Plant at District Cattack, Orissa by M/s Virajaa Steel & Power (P) Limited
2. Integrated Steel Plant at District Dhaenkanal, Orissa by M/s Bhushan Steel Limited
3. Integrated steel complex at Village lPotapali/Sikirdi, District Sambalpur, Orissa by M/s. Rathi Steel and Power Limited.
4. Expansion of production of Fibre Cement Corrugated Sheets Accessories from 8,56,000 MTPA to 12,50,000 MTPA at Korian District Dhenkanal Orissa by M/s UAL Orissa Limited (MRPL)
5. Expansion of Integrated Steel Plant at Topadih in District Keonjhar Orissa by M/s. Deepak Steel & Power Limited
6. Expansion of Clinker Grinding unit at Jharsuguda Cement Works district Jharsuguda Orissa by M/s. Ultra Tech Cement Limited
7. Expansion of existing Pellet Plant with 0.1 MTPA Integrated Steel Plant at Matkambeda Industrial Estate District Keonjhar Orissa by M/s. Arya Iron & Steel Co. Private Limited
8. Integrated Seel Complex at Katasahi District Keonjhar Orissa by M/s. Kamaljeet Singh Alhuwalia
B. NON-COAL MINING
9. Dubna-Sakradih Iron & Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Orissa Mining Corporation Ltd., Village(s) Handibhanga, Jampani, Badakalimati, Dubuna, Purunadih, Naibaga and Basantpur, District Keonjhar
10. Talangi Chromite Mine “B” of M/s. IDCOL Ferro Chrome & Alloys Ltd. located at Distt. Jajpur
11. Chhuinpalli Quartzite Mining Project of M/s Tata, Village Chhuinpalli, district Jharsuguda
12 Kasia Iron Ore Mines of M/s Tej Bahadur Lal located at Vill-Kasia, Distt-Keonjhar
13 Sanindpur iron & Manganese Mine of M/s National Enterprises located at Distt. Sundergarh
14 Bhadrasahi Iron and Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Orissa Minerals Deevlopment Co. Ltd. , Village Bhadrasahi, District Keonjhar
15 Thakurani Iron Ore Mining Project of M/s Kaypee Enterprises located in Village Thakurani, Tehsil Barbil, District Keonjhar
16 Bhadrasahi (Kolha-Roida) Iron & Manganese Ore Mine of M/s (Bharat Process & Mechanical Engineers Ltd.) C/O The Orissa Minerals Development Co. Ltd., Village Bhadrasahi, Distt. Keonjhar
17 Nuagaon Iron Ore Beneficiation Plant of M/s Kamaljeet Singh Ahluwalia, Village Guali & Barpada, Distt. Keonjhar
18 EC for Bolani Ore Mines of M/s SAIL, Distt. Keonjhar
19 Tikarpara Pyrophyllite & Quartzite Mines of M/s Banwarilall Newatia, Village Tikarpara & Ambadhara, Distt. Keonjhar
20 Expansion of Khondbond Iron & Manganese Ore Mine of M/s Tata Steel Ltd., Village Khandbond, Tehsil Barbil, Distt. Keonjhar
21 15 MTPA Iron Ore Washing & Beneficiation Plant of M/s Sarda Mines Pvt.Ltd., Village Soyabali, Tehsil-Barbil, Distt.Keonjhar
22 Expansion of Iron Ore Mine of M/s Kalinga Mining Corp., Village Joruri & Khandbandh, Distt. Keonjhar
23 Gonua Iron & Manganese Mines of M/s M.G. Mohanty, Village Gonua, Distt. Sundergarh
24 Jalahuri Iron and Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Mala Roy & Others, Village Jalahuri, District Keonjhar
25 Environmental Clearance of Inganijharan Iron & Manganese Ore Mines of M/s Bhanja Minerals Pvt. Ltd located at Vill-Dadwan&Khuntapani, Distt-Keonjhar
C. COAL MINING
26 Basundhara OCP (2.4 MTPA to 8 MTPA and increase in lease area from 401 ha to 437.10 ha) of M/s MCL, Dist. Sundergarh
27- Expn. of Coal Beneficiation Plant (2 MTPA to 4 MTPA) of M/s Global Coal & Mining Pvt. Ltd., dist. Angul
28- Talabira-1 Coal Mine Project (expansion from 1.5 MTPA to 3 MTPA over 170.305 ha) of M/s HINDALCO located in district Sambalpur
29 Establishment of 5 MTPA Coal Washery of M/s Monnet Ispat & Energy Ltd., located at village Malibrahamani, Tehsil Chendipeda, Dist. Angul
D. PORT PROJECTS
30 Development of all weather deepwater port (phase-I and Phase II only) at Subarnarekha River, Balasore Dt., Orissa by M/s Creative Port Development Pvt. Ltd.
31 Development of Southern Dock Complex for construction of Multi-Purpose Clear Cargo Terminal and Oil terminal at Paradip Port of M/s Paradip Port Trust
Friday, July 29, 2011
Orissa CM directs officials to set up mega lift irrigation points on either side of proposed power projects
Report by OrissaDiary.com correspondent; Bhubaneswar: Chief Minsiter Naven Patnaik on Wednesday directed the Water Resources Department to set up mega lift irrigation points on either side of the proposed three barrages of the Sindol hydro power projects on river Mahanadi even as the projects are mired in controversy.
The Chief Minister, while reviewing the renovation of the irrigation projects at the State Secretariat here, said that with the setting up of the mega lift irrigation projects alongside the three stages of the Sindol-1, Sindol-II and Sindol -III projects, the farmers of the three drought-prone districts of Boudh, Sambalpur and Subarnapur would get the desired irrigation facilities.
At the meeting, the Chief Minister expressed concern over the acute moisture stress with lurking drought-like situation in at least six districts, Boudh, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Ganjam and Bargarh. He directed the Energy and Water Resources Departments to renovate the lift irrigation points lying defunct and asked the electricity distribution companies to immediately give power connection to the LI points pending disposal of the outstanding dues with round-the-clock power supply to help the farmers avail irrigation facilities.
According to official sources, as many as 1,758 LI points in the State are defunct and 13,861 points are functioning providing irrigation to an estimated 3.11 lakh hectares of land. Since the defunct LI points are in the blocks with below 35 per cent of irrigation potential, the Chief Minister directed the authorities to take immediate steps to make the LI points operational.
It was decided at the meeting that the Government would provide incentives to those Pani Panchayats working for the proper and efficient management of LI points. The Chief Minister also asked the Energy and Water Resources Departments to immediately repair and renovate the defunct LI points.
The Chief Minister asked the Energy Department to take steps for one-time settlement of the outstanding electricity dues and finalise the estimates relating to providing electricity connections to the defunct LI points.
With serious moisture stress and apprehension of Kharif crop loss, the Chief Minister relaxed the norm for setting up of new LI points.
Report by OrissaDiary.com correspondent; Bhubaneswar: Chief Minsiter Naven Patnaik on Wednesday directed the Water Resources Department to set up mega lift irrigation points on either side of the proposed three barrages of the Sindol hydro power projects on river Mahanadi even as the projects are mired in controversy.
The Chief Minister, while reviewing the renovation of the irrigation projects at the State Secretariat here, said that with the setting up of the mega lift irrigation projects alongside the three stages of the Sindol-1, Sindol-II and Sindol -III projects, the farmers of the three drought-prone districts of Boudh, Sambalpur and Subarnapur would get the desired irrigation facilities.
At the meeting, the Chief Minister expressed concern over the acute moisture stress with lurking drought-like situation in at least six districts, Boudh, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Ganjam and Bargarh. He directed the Energy and Water Resources Departments to renovate the lift irrigation points lying defunct and asked the electricity distribution companies to immediately give power connection to the LI points pending disposal of the outstanding dues with round-the-clock power supply to help the farmers avail irrigation facilities.
According to official sources, as many as 1,758 LI points in the State are defunct and 13,861 points are functioning providing irrigation to an estimated 3.11 lakh hectares of land. Since the defunct LI points are in the blocks with below 35 per cent of irrigation potential, the Chief Minister directed the authorities to take immediate steps to make the LI points operational.
It was decided at the meeting that the Government would provide incentives to those Pani Panchayats working for the proper and efficient management of LI points. The Chief Minister also asked the Energy and Water Resources Departments to immediately repair and renovate the defunct LI points.
The Chief Minister asked the Energy Department to take steps for one-time settlement of the outstanding electricity dues and finalise the estimates relating to providing electricity connections to the defunct LI points.
With serious moisture stress and apprehension of Kharif crop loss, the Chief Minister relaxed the norm for setting up of new LI points.
Orissa should have policy for keeping rivers, sea unpolluted
PTI | 07:07 PM,Jul 28,2011
Balasore, (Orissa) July 28 (PTI) Orissa endowed with rich natural resources should urgently adopt a policy to keep its rivers and sea free from contamination, Magsaysay award winner Rajendra Singh said today."Unplanned industrialization and massive destruction of forest will result in drying up many perennial water sources in existing rivers in the state," Singh, popularly known as 'water man' who won the Ramon Magsaysay Award for community leadership in 2001 for his pioneering work in water management, told a seminar."The state government must ensure that no industry should pose danger to water sources. Otherwise, drinking water will be an acute problem for society," he said.Stressing on the importance on soil conservation, he said, "instead of indiscriminate construction of concrete spurs and barrages on rivers, tree plantation along the river will keep it free from pollution and help soil conservation." Water conservation, particularly rain water conservation for which he became so popular was not knowledge acquired from any university, but a lesson from illiterate cultivators who learnt from their experience, Singh said. PTI COR AAM PC
PTI | 07:07 PM,Jul 28,2011
Balasore, (Orissa) July 28 (PTI) Orissa endowed with rich natural resources should urgently adopt a policy to keep its rivers and sea free from contamination, Magsaysay award winner Rajendra Singh said today."Unplanned industrialization and massive destruction of forest will result in drying up many perennial water sources in existing rivers in the state," Singh, popularly known as 'water man' who won the Ramon Magsaysay Award for community leadership in 2001 for his pioneering work in water management, told a seminar."The state government must ensure that no industry should pose danger to water sources. Otherwise, drinking water will be an acute problem for society," he said.Stressing on the importance on soil conservation, he said, "instead of indiscriminate construction of concrete spurs and barrages on rivers, tree plantation along the river will keep it free from pollution and help soil conservation." Water conservation, particularly rain water conservation for which he became so popular was not knowledge acquired from any university, but a lesson from illiterate cultivators who learnt from their experience, Singh said. PTI COR AAM PC
Mahanadi Conflict
Mahanadi water allocation draws HC attention
Jul 27, 2011, 11.33pm IST
CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has directed the state government to file a reply on allocation of water from river Mahanadi to different industries within two weeks. The directive came from the bench of Chief Justice V Gopala Gowda and Justice B N Mohapatra on Tuesday following a PIL filed by Gouranga Charan Hota, convenor of Mahanadi Banchao Andolan, opposing water being allocated to industries.
The petitioner stated that according to the Water Policy of 2007, river water should be first used for drinking and followed by irrigation. But the state government is busy allocating the river water to industries without considering the plight of the common man and farmers.
The petitioner cited that Mahanadi water has been allocated to industries like Posco and Oil India Limited. This diversion would lead to acute shortage of water and?farmers would face problems in irrigating their land
Jul 27, 2011, 11.33pm IST
CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has directed the state government to file a reply on allocation of water from river Mahanadi to different industries within two weeks. The directive came from the bench of Chief Justice V Gopala Gowda and Justice B N Mohapatra on Tuesday following a PIL filed by Gouranga Charan Hota, convenor of Mahanadi Banchao Andolan, opposing water being allocated to industries.
The petitioner stated that according to the Water Policy of 2007, river water should be first used for drinking and followed by irrigation. But the state government is busy allocating the river water to industries without considering the plight of the common man and farmers.
The petitioner cited that Mahanadi water has been allocated to industries like Posco and Oil India Limited. This diversion would lead to acute shortage of water and?farmers would face problems in irrigating their land
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