Baripada: Lack of water for agriculture has caused concern for farmers in Badajoda area in Mayurbhanj district.
A bridge across the left-side canal of Badajoda reservoir has collapsed, but the water resources department has not taken steps for its repair.
The villagers had approached JEs of the project several times in the past for immediate repair, but the latter have always assured of taking steps.
Upset over the apathy of the department, members of Badajodapani panchayat took up the issue with Collector Vineet Bhardwaj.
Farmers say, only a few weeks were left to start farming. Had the canal been repaired on time, they would not face any problem in irrigating their crops.
“Farmers and our livelihood are being neglected thus,” lamented villagers.
Thousands of farmers depend on the canal water for farming at Badajoda, Godaladiha, Sagabadia, Tungadhua, Kasibadia, Birodihi, Mananipada, Rangamatia, Bhandarikula, KaniMahuli, Rajgad, Jagannathpur, Paunsia and Ghusuria.
SarbeswarMohant, chairman of the BadajodapanchayatSamiti and NagarjunNayak, secretary of the samiti, warned of staging an agitation if the canal is repaired in time.
PNN