CUTTACK: The leasing out of Barabodia sand ghat on Mahanadi under Salepur tehsil has led to angry reactions from the people of at least 10 villages who claimed that sand mining would change the course of the State’s largest river and endanger their lives.Villagers of Barbodia, Atoda, Satabatia, Paschimakachha, Madhyakaccha, Purbakachha, Patapur, Jalahari, Bisarpur and Tentol alleged that the administration, ignoring the interest of locals, has recently leased out Barabodia Sand Ghat to some sand mafia.
The villagers also alleged that due to quarrying activities at the vulnerable point near Barabodia, the river will change its course thereby endangering their localities. “It seems the authority of Salepur Tehsil has lost its foresight. It has recently leased out the ghat, ignoring the report of Water Resources Department in this connection,” said Harekrishna Behera, former Panchayat Samiti member of Tentol grama panchayat adding that they would intensify their protest if the administration turns a deaf ear to consider their grievance and does not cancel the lease.
Earlier, the villagers had opposed sand quarrying at the ghat following which the then Collector Nirmal Chandra Mishra had asked the Revenue and Water Resources Departments to conduct a survey and submit a report.The Water Resources department, in its report, had mentioned that sand lifting at Barabodia ghat may lead to a change of course of Mahanadi. Taking the report seriously, Mishra had cancelled auctioning of sand at the ghat.
According to villagers, water current of Mahanadi is very strong at this bifurcation point near Barabodia as Chitroptala, originates from that locality. Hence, lifting of sand from Barabodia will force the river to eat away its bank and nearby agricultural lands. “Sand quarrying at Barabodia will endanger several villages. Mahanadi will change its course and join Birupa river by breaching the embankments of two canals in the locality,” said Barabodia Sarpanch Sophia Routray.
Collector Sushant Mahapatra said he was not aware of issues related to Barabodia sand ghat and the previous order. “The administration will look into the issues and issue restrictions on sand lifting from the ghat if it finds any threat to the villages from Mahanadi,” Mahapatra added.