Malkangiri: A tribal organisation in Malkangiri district’s cut-off area has threatened to intensify its agitation to demand authorities to reduce the water level of Balimela reservoir.
In a release, Adivasi Biplabi Chasi Sangathan said water overflowing from the reservoir had submerged large tracts of their farms and damaged rabi crops like paddy, green gram, black gram and ragi.
The farmers said they had faced a similar situation last year and accused the government of not giving compensation to the affected farmers.
The tribal body alleged that the government deliberately kept the water level higher to generate more hydro power for industrial units while ignoring the concern of farmers.
