Sambalpur, Aug. 7: The state government’s proposed Sindol hydropower project has come under severe criticism by several political and non political organisations of western Orissa. The District Bar Association has decided to observe a 12-hour bandh on August 9 protesting against the project.

Sindol Prakalpa Birodhi Sangram Samiti, Sambalpur Sangram Samiti, and Congress MP from Sambalpur Amar Pradhan have already condemned the proposed hydropower project.

“The decision on the 12-hour bandh was taken at the general body meeting of the bar association. We want the government to reverse its decision. The proposal is anti-people and we will not tolerate this injustice. We will also ask Kuchinda Bar Association and Rairakhol Bar Association of the district to observe bandh on August 9,” said Pramod Rath, president of Sambalpur Bar Association today.

“The government has failed to rehabilitate the people who were displaced by Hirakud dam. The Sindol project will lead to submergence of many villages. There are already a number of industries in Sambalpur. We do not want any more industries here. We will oppose any public hearing for this project,” said Rath, while referring to the government’s decision to hold a public hearing to elicit the opinion of people of the area.

“The bandh will be observed for 12 hours. Several political and non political organisations have extended their support to this bandh. The Sindol Bruhat Jala Bidyut Prakalpa Birodhi Kriyanusthan Committee will also join the bandh,” Rath added.

“The government should come out with a blueprint of the hydropower project proposal. The government has not as yet produced any document regarding the areas that will be submerged for the proposed projects,” said Sabir Ahemmad, secretary of Sambalpur Bar Association.

“We will support the bandh. Our organisation will picket in front of various state government offices on that day. We will also stage a dharna in front of the office of revenue divisional commissioner on August 17,” said Siva Narayana Sahu, convener of the Sindol Bruhat Jala Bidyut Prakalpa Birodhi Kriyanusthan Committee.