Alipurduar, 03 November (Read). The impact of Cyclonic Storm ‘Mantha’ has almost subsided. About 150 bighas of paddy land is still submerged in water in West Kanthalbari and Mejbil villages of Alipurduar district.

Farmers claim that in some paddy fields the water is waist-deep, while in others it is knee-deep. Holding the National Highway Authority responsible for this, they demonstrated strongly on Monday and blocked the highway.

Farmers allege that the work of concrete bridge on Giriya river in Mejbil area has been going on for several months. As a result, the path of Giriya River is almost closed due to which rain water is not able to flow into the river. Due to which the farmers protested and reached the under construction Giriya bridge. The agitating farmers stopped the work of the bridge. After this, Giriya stood at the diversion and blocked the highway.

Due to the jam, daily commuters had to face problems on the first day of the week. Site incharge of Giriya Bridge Buddhadev Maiti reached the spot. He assured that arrangements will be made to drain the water soon. After about 40 minutes the farmers lifted the jam. However, the farmers demanded that along with arrangements for drainage, compensation for the paddy should also be given. Because now the Aman paddy is almost ripe. The crop has been damaged due to water.

In this regard, the farmers also said that they will also submit a demand letter bearing the signatures of many to the BDO and Block Agriculture Office.

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(Read) / Sachin Kumar