Farmers stage a protest in Sambalpur on Friday. Telegraph picture

Sambalpur, July 29: Farmers staged a protest in front of the dstrict rural development agency office today demanding action against a company for allegedly releasing toxic gas that caused crop loss.

The farmers alleged that the gas emitted from a Hindalco smelter plant located in Hirakud was destroying crops there. The farmers even brought some sample plants to apprise the administration of the effect of the gas. They also informed local MP Amarnath Pradhan about the matter.

“This is not the first time such an incident has happened here. In 2002, gas emission from the Hindalco plant had resulted in crop loss. Even then we had to resort to agitation for compensation. In 2008, gas emitted from the plant destroyed the crop. The government had compensated farmers at that time too. But this time, we want a permanent solution to the problem,” said Santosh Telenga, an agitator.

“We had informed the matter to the collector on July 25. But the administration was apathetic towards our demands. Hence, we had to resort to agitation. This time, the loss is enormous. We demand proper compensation for all the affected farmers. Moreover, we need a permanent solution to the problem of poisonous gas emission from Hindalco plant,” one of the farmers said.

Sambalpur district collector Mrinalini Darswal discussed the matter with the agitators. “From preliminary inquiry it has been assessed that the crop has been affected by hydrofolic acid. However, a team will inquire into the matter. We will try to find out a permanent solution to the problem,” said Darswal.