Locals conduct 'foot-march' to save Indravati river, lifeline of Bastar

In view of the depleting water level of river Indravati, the locals are now gearing up to save what they call is the lifeline of Bastar region of the state.

The residents of Bastar are holding a foot-march to press for their demand to save the river, for which they are demanding the release of water from Katiguda dam in Odisha, as per the water agreement between the two states.

Their foot-march entered seventh-day on Wednesday. The residents walked along the stretch of the river holding placards and raising slogans -- "Save Indravati." For long, the protesters have been generating awareness among locals about the need to save the river from further degradation.

The foot-march has been launched from Bhejapadar village situated along Chhattisgarh-Odisha border from where the river enters into Chhattisgarh.

"The level of water in the river is going down every year. This is due to the indifferent attitude of Odisha government. Chhattisgarh is not getting the volume of water required to save Indravati, which is almost dry at several stretches," said a protester.

"The depleting water level in the river has created a major water crisis for the villagers. It is getting worse day by day. The forest, villages and in fact the whole ecosystem along river Indravati are in trouble," said a social activist.

"The administration must act now or never. The river Indravati flows till 250 km in Bastar and is the lifeline of almost 200 villages, which are dependent on its water. The people are supporting Indravati Bachao Abhiyan, with full vigour. It is going to be a big movement," said another protester.

It is worth mentioning that Indravati is a stream of the river Godavari. Its starting point is found to be the 'ghats' of Dandakaranya range from a hilltop village Mardiguda of Thuamula Rampur block in Kalahandi district of Odisha.