Bolangir: Loisingha MLA Mukesh Mahaling took stock of the progress of the Lower Suktel Large Irrigation Project at the departmental guesthouse here. Project director, relocation & rehabilitation Mahendra Kumar Mahapatra, special land-acquisition officer Kumar Nagabhushan and executive engineer S Bhoi were present at the meeting.
Dr Mahaling examined the eviction and the relocation process in the affected villages of Pardhiapali, Koindapali and Khuntpali.
Sources said no rehabilitation colony has been constructed for the displaced people. As a result of which ousted families are moving around by their own efforts. Repeated requests not to displace the families during the rainy season have fallen on deaf ears. No one has an answer to how the displaced people are staying. If this is the scenario from the beginning of the relocation process, what condition will arise later, Dr Mahaling asked the officials.
Free ration was being provided to the villagers of Pardhiapali, Koindapali and Khuntpali under the food security schemes. Families that have been already evicted stay at different places. “Has the administration taken any steps in this regard to provide them ration and pensions such as old-age pension,” asked the MLA.
There are a number of landless, differently-abled and poor individuals among the displaced. He urged the administration to take necessary steps to ensure their compensation, rehabilitation and livelihood.
He urged the officials to take proper measures to provide them with the food security and pension schemes. The displaced have been deprived of the benefits of the PMAY scheme. He sought inclusion of eligible beneficiaries on a priority basis.
He asked the officials to build the model colony as soon as possible and undertake steps to ensure their rehabilitation and livelihood. He also reviewed the construction of the dam and the pressur pipe canal system. He suggested the authorities take measures so that maximum number of villages get irrigation facility. The officials said steps will be taken to execute the inputs from the MLA.
PNN