Activists in Odisha oppose Rushikulya River dam project

A ten-day march called a padayatra has ended, focusing on the Rushikulya River in Odisha's Ganjam district. Green activists and local villagers traveled through nearly 100 villages to raise awareness about the risks posed by a proposed dam project. The march began on March 16 at Pipalapanka forest, where the dam is set to be built. Activists, like Prafulla Samantara, argue that the dam would block the river's natural flow, leading to significant ecological problems. Samantara noted that the Rushikulya River is crucial for the local community, stressing that the dam would completely dry up the river from November to June. Concerns have been raised about the effects of the dam on agriculture and water supply. If the dam is built, it could stop water from reaching irrigation pumps and cause a decline in groundwater levels. Activists claim that similar projects have been proposed in the past but were halted due to public opposition. Over the last two years, there has been growing resistance against both the dam and illegal sand mining operations in the area. These activities have already harmed the river's ecology. Activists warn that climate change has further affected rainfall patterns, putting the river at risk. The participants in the padayatra want the government to consider the long-term impact of the dam on local ecosystems and communities. They call for a stop to the dam project to preserve the river and its surrounding environment.