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Dawn-to-dusk bandh observed at Paralakhemundi

BERHAMPUR: A dawn-to-dusk bandh was observed at Paralakhemundi, the district headquarters of Gajapati district on Monday in protest against the proposed irrigation project of the State Government on Mahendratanaya river.

The bandh call was given by the Mahendratanya Surakshya Manch, an organisation formed in Gajapati district to pressurise the Orissa Government to take up the matter with Andhra Government and stop the proposed project. Vehicular traffic was completely disrupted at Paralakhemundi. No four-wheeler or passenger vehicle was allowed to ply in the town. Road communication to other parts of the district and State was hit due to bandh. All major political parties of Gajapati district, including the Congress, the BJP and the BJD also supported the bandh. A motorcycle rally was also taken out. All business establishments, educational institutions and offices remained closed. But the agitators spared the Higher Secondary Board Examinations and it was allowed to be conducted as per schedule at the examination centres.

Mahendratanaya river originates in Orissa and more than 70 per cent of its river course is in Orissa. But the Andhra Government has taken up a project on the river without holding any consultation with the Orissa Government, said Purna Chandra Mohapatra, convener of the Manch. On February 29 the activists of the Manch staged a demonstration at Paralakhemundi, which was attended by BJP MLA, Bharat Paika, Congress MLA, Trinath Sahu and district BJD president, Basant Das. These leaders feel the proposed project would affect irrigation in Gosani and Rayagada blocks and drinking water supply to Paralakhemundi town.

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