Rushikulya Under Threat

Pipalapanka Dam Revival: Odisha government’s renewed dam project at Pipalapanka, Ganjam district, sparks protests.

Rushikulya River Threat: Locals and environmentalists fear the dam endangers the Rushikulya River.

Priority to Industries: Allegations that the dam prioritizes water supply to industries, including Adani Group’s Gopalpur port, over ecological needs and local agriculture.

Ecological Damage Concerns: Prafulla Samantara, along with other activists, highlight potential ecological damage and demand project withdrawal.

Rushikulya River Importance: The river flows through Kandhamal, Ganjam, and Boudh districts, originating in Daringbadi. Tributaries weakened by prior damming.

Olive Ridley Turtle Nesting: Rushikulya River mouth is crucial for Olive Ridley Turtle nesting (Arribada). Dam could increase salinity intrusion and reduce fish yield.

Climate Change Impact: Rising temperatures are skewing turtle sex ratios, further endangering the species.

Activist Opposition: Environmentalists argue the dam’s real purpose is industrial water supply, not irrigation, and cite threats to the river’s health from sand mining and industrial projects.