Indus Valley Times

BY PRAKASH PANIGRAHI
Berhampur, June 7: Prominent environmental activist Medha Patkar has voiced strong opposition to a proposed dam project over the Rushikulya River in Odisha’s Ganjam district, warning that such moves driven by corporate interests would endanger local livelihoods, ecosystems, and communities dependent on the river.

Speaking at a discussion organised by the Laxman Nayak Community Hall in Berhampur, Patkar criticised the government’s reported plan to construct a dam at Pipalpanka on the upper stretch of the Rushikulya River, allegedly to supply water to private companies. “Domestic corporate selfishness is turning Ganjam’s lifeline, the Rushikulya, into a dangerous proposition,” she said, urging residents of the district to come forward and oppose this effort.

The discussion, jointly organised by the Rushikulya Banchao Abhiyan Committee and the Centre for Climate Justice under the theme ‘Natural Wealth Protection and the Constitution’, drew attention to the broader environmental and social consequences of large dams in India. “Across the country, big dams have often proven to be suicidal projects—destroying rivers, livelihoods, and ecosystems,” Patkar remarked, citing multiple examples from India and abroad.

She argued that while advanced countries are moving away from large dams, India’s policymakers continue to prioritise corporate interests in water and electricity distribution, sidelining public welfare. “Instead of mega dams, what we need are smaller reservoirs and check dams within catchment areas to protect rivers and secure water for people and agriculture,” she asserted.

Expressing grave concern, Patkar noted that while most of the Rushikulya’s tributaries and reservoirs remain dry for much of the year, plans are being made to build a major dam upstream to divert water to industries — a move she termed both “undemocratic” and “disastrous.”

In his address, environmentalist Prafulla Samantara also criticised the state government’s recent industrial push in Ganjam, questioning the opaque water allocation strategies for these projects. “The Chief Minister’s announcement of new industrial units in Ganjam raises serious concerns — where will the water for these projects come from?” he asked.

Local activist and farmer leader Moon Sarangi warned that the proposed Pipalpanka dam would submerge nearly 2,000 hectares of dense forest and 23 villages. “This will devastate not just nature, but thousands of lives,” he said.

Among others who spoke at the event were former legislator Narayana Reddy, journalist Vigneshwar Sahu, farmer leader Bhagirathi Khatei, and Western Odisha farmer activist Lingaraj Azad. Noted writer O.O. Bijuli Mishra called for greater participation of women in the river protection movement, expressing hope that a people-led, inclusive struggle could achieve meaningful change.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from Aditya Jena, a member of the Rushikulya Banchao Abhiyan Committee.