Sundargarh: The proposed ultra-mega power project (UMPP) at Bhedabahal in Sadar block of Sundargarh district has not started although many years have passed after the government acquired land for it.
Many projects proposed in Sundargarh district have not taken off. Due to this displaced tribal people are facing several issues.
Sources said the government had held a village committee meeting (Gramya Sabha) in 2006 to acquire 3,246 acres for the UMPP.
As the villagers of Semana and Japanga in Lankahuda panchayat did not agree to handover their lands to IDCO, the government ordered IDCO to acquire land in other areas.
About 2,733 acres of private land, 444 acres of government land and 69 acres of revenue land were acquired for the power plant. As the plant is getting delayed, the villagers in the acquired areas are not getting the expected government benefits.
Many poor villagers in this area have not received their ration cards yet. Basic development works here have also stopped. The villagers have asked the government to either establish the UMPP or return their lands.