Water released from an NTPC plant in Patna, Bihar, has caused devastation, leading to significant losses for farmers. Approximately 150 bighas of farmland have been destroyed, and farmers are being forced to harvest their crops while sitting on cots (khat) in an attempt to save them.
Hundreds of bighas of ready paddy crop have been destroyed in parts of Patna district after floodwater allegedly released from an NTPC plant inundated agricultural fields. Farmers say the sudden inflow of water has forced them to harvest standing crops in knee-deep water, leading to crop losses as well as health problems.
According to farmers, due to the cold and continuous waterlogging, they are compelled to harvest paddy while standing in water, carrying the harvested crop home on cots. Several farmers have reportedly fallen ill, while large tracts of ready paddy have been damaged or re-sprouted due to prolonged submergence. In addition, around 50 acres of pulse crops have also gone underwater.
Farmers claim that the problem has persisted for nearly seven years. They allege that chemical-laden recycled water released during harvesting season causes illnesses and severe leg-related problems. Two farmers reportedly fell ill after harvesting nearly two acres of crop in waterlogged conditions, which has heightened fear among others. Farmers say they are unable to work in the water for more than 15-20 minutes due to the cold, resulting in widespread crop loss.
The affected farmers also expressed concern that the chemical-rich water is gradually turning fertile land barren. While a few financially capable farmers have managed to salvage and transport their crops, nearly 80 per cent of the produce has been lost. More than 80 farmers are said to have already suffered significant crop damage.
Farmers from Parsawan and Mangarchak villages cultivate land in Dhibar, Sahnoura, Rally English, Lakshmipur, and Bariyarpur. They alleged that a drainage channel built along the railway line to remove excess water was blocked by NTPC during the transportation of pipelines to its dumping site, worsening the flooding.
Last Monday, the farmers submitted a written complaint to NTPC officials and the Pandarak Circle Officer, demanding that the chemical-laden water released from the plant be diverted elsewhere and that they be compensated for their losses.
Responding to the allegations, NTPC PRO Vikash Dhar Dwivedi said that a survey team has been constituted following the farmers’ complaints. However, he added that the exact source of the water causing the flooding has not yet been identified.
Source - https://www.thedailyjagran.com
