Farmers construct brick wall to oppose Hirakud water to industry

Sambalpur, Nov 12 (UNI) Agitating farmers opposing supply of water from Hirakud dam to the industrial houses have constructed a brick wall to prevent the release of water to Vedant Alumina Limited(VAL).

Farmer leaders from all the districts under Hirakud command area congregated near Pitapali village yesterday and drew a 'Laxman Rekha' close to Jamadarpali airstrip under Sasan Police Station to stop water to the industries.

The VAL at Jharsuguda is laying pipe lines to draw water from Hirakud reservoir to its plant at Jharsuguda. But farmers who recently staged a massive demonstration at Burla in support of their demands, are determined not to allow the VAL to draw water for its Jharsugura plant.

''Hirakud water is meant for farmers only. We will not allow any industry to use it'', farmer leader from Sonepur Balaram Meher said.

The farmers have built a brick wall in the drain, constructed by the VAL, for laying pipes.

They warned of a serious situation if Vedanta or the state government made any attempt to continue further work or demolish the wall.

The Opposition political parties in the state have extended full support to the cause of the farmers and oppose the use of Hirakud water for any industrial purpose stating that the dam was constructed mainly for irrigation and generation of power and not for industrial use.

UNI