Baliapal: Hundreds of hectares of farmland were waterlogged in Balaiapal area of Balasore as prawn gherries have become a hurdle in drainage of water. Farmers were worried over damage to crops in the area.
The rainwater in coast canal usually finds an outlet into Pantha area, but hundreds of illegal prawn ghereis have come up along the both sides of the coast canal.
Earlier, locals had taken up the issue with the MP, MLA, the Collector and the tehsildar, seeking removal of illegal enclosures, but no action was taken against it.
Paddy plants in acres of land have remained submerged under water while ongoing rainfall will add to the probem. More ares will be submerged.
Tehsildar Basudev Mohapatra said that steps will be taken according to legal framework.
PNN