BERHAMPUR: Tribals of Gangabada panchayat under Rayagada block in Gajapati district are joining hands to wage a united struggle against the proposed irrigation project by the Andhra Pradesh Government across a tributary of the Mahendratanaya near the panchayat.

Resentment is brewing in villages like Akada, Manikpatna, Khambagaon, Dimirigaon, Bengasahi and Sankuda that are situated along the tributary on the Andhra-Orissa border.

Submergence threat

They say that the neighbouring State is planning an irrigation project called `Nakasahi' with an estimated cost of Rs. 33 crores.

Sarpanch of Gangabada Sumitra Sabar says that the project spells doom because it would submerge over 1,100 acres of agricultural land and cashew orchards in the panchayat.

Besides, it will affect the livelihood of some 860 persons hailing from 158 tribal families.

The villagers are also worried over the prospect of submergence of the road connecting Gangabada panchayat to Manjusa in the adjoining State, for the panchayat is more accessible by this road.

This apart, the project will also submerge some forestland, they say.

While those displaced on the Andhra Pradesh side will get some compensation, no study has been made regarding losses on the Orissa side, the villagers rue.

Stating that the neighbouring State has already completed survey of the project and that `bhoomi puja' is expected to be performed soon, the tribals have urged the Chief Minister to intervene and put pressure on the Andhra government to shelve the project.

They have threatened to launch an agitation if the Orissa Government fails to protect the livelihood of tribals.

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