Farmers worried over low voltage

JHARSUGUDA: Hundreds of farmers of gram panchayats of Remta, Kandheikela, Charpali and Pithinda, under 19 Khand Mouza in Lakhanpur block of the district, staged a demonstration protesting low voltage, affecting the irrigation.  They met Collector Guru Prasad Mishra and submitted a memorandum in this regard.It is learnt that Mishra had assured the villagers to visit places in the block and initiate corrective measures.In the memorandum, the farmers said that during rabi season they cultivate vegetables instead of paddy in the absence of irrigation facilities. They said the water they get through irrigation channels is not even sufficient for growing vegetables.The farmers alleged that despite repeated reminders to the authorities concerned, no measure has been taken so far.Maintaining that the area is located close to Chhattisgarh border, a farmer Prafulla Sahu (36) said while their neighbours across the border have all the privileges, they are denied even assured irrigation.He said neglect over the years may finally lead them to demand for inclusion of the area in Chhattisgarh.