Launch service resumes in Balimela reservoir

A launch carrying passengers today sailed from Chitrakonda to cut off areas in Balimela Reservoir in Odisha's Malkangiri district, signalling the resumption of services.
The launch belonging to the Water Resources, which also carried essential items, resumed service which had been stopped since August 22 following threat from Maoists, an official said.
About 25,000 people in 151 villages in the cut off areas of the reservoir were suffering after launch services were halted, he said.
Yesterday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had assured a delegation to resume the launch service.
Launch services were also provided to Sindhiput, Jantri, Kuntrupadar and Alampeta gram panchayats.

Earlier, opposition Congress MLAs had raised the issue in the Assembly highlighting the problems faced by the people in cut-off area in the district.