JHARSUGUDA: Farmers of old Talpatatia village of Jahrsuguda are demanding the irrigation project near river Ib to be reactivated. Constructed at a cost of `41.7 thousand in 1972-73, the project was supplying water till 2004 for the kharif crop.
But the LI point was rendered defunct after the electric wire was stolen in 2005. However, the villagers had offered to contribute to buy new wire.
During 2012, LI Department tried to reactivate the project and spent `3.75 lakh to set up 25 HP motor. But this has not been activated so far due to lack of power supply and other problems. Meanwhile, the contractor has taken away the motor.
When contacted, SDO RK Bhanj said though the villagers had assured of paying for the wire, they have failed to do it. “If we are asked, we would sanction additional sum of `8 lakh,” he added.