Balangir, Aug. 4 (UDN): Fresh protests broke out in Odisha’s Balangir district on Tuesday after residents of Tabalbanji village opposed an eviction drive linked to the Lower Suktel Irrigation Project, insisting they would not vacate their homes until comprehensive rehabilitation measures are put in place.
The village is among the areas slated for submergence as the dam project moves towards completion. Although many affected families have already received monetary compensation, residents claim that adequate rehabilitation and resettlement arrangements are yet to be provided.
The situation turned tense when district officials, accompanied by police personnel, arrived in the village to begin the demolition of houses ahead of the proposed evacuation. Villagers staged a protest, preventing the officials from entering the settlement and demanding that the government first fulfil its commitments on rehabilitation.
The affected families said financial compensation alone is insufficient and urged the government to provide permanent housing, land and essential civic amenities at the designated resettlement sites before any eviction is carried out.
One of the protesters, Dirju Puta, said the villagers were not opposed to the development project but wanted the authorities to honour their rehabilitation promises.
“We are not against the project. Let the government fulfil the commitments it made to us. We are ready to relocate once proper rehabilitation is ensured,” he said, adding that while several displaced families have been allotted houses, many others are still awaiting permanent resettlement.
The protest has once again brought the spotlight on the rehabilitation challenges associated with large infrastructure projects in the state. Residents argued that development should not come at the cost of displacing families without adequate arrangements for their future.
Officials have not yet announced any breakthrough in resolving the impasse, and no formal statement was immediately issued by the district administration or police regarding the standoff.
The Lower Suktel Dam project is expected to enhance irrigation and water availability in western Odisha, but the latest protest underscores the need to balance infrastructure development with the rights and welfare of project-affected families.
Leave a Reply