Laxminath Bejbarua and his stay at Sambalpur

 

 Laxminath Bejbarua (1868-1938): Came Sambalpur in 1917 stayed up to 1937  

 

Laxminath

On 14^th October 1868 (Lakmi Purnima night ), Lakminath Bejbarua was born at Nagaon in Assam. He passed away at Dibrugad on 26^th March 1938. He passed out Matriculation from Shibsagar Government High School. He did his graduation from City College, Kolkata and M.A. and B.L from Kolkata University.

Sahityarathi Laxminath was born in Assam, educated in West Bengal and service and literary activity at Sambalpur.
His contribution to Sambalpur was immense, but Sambalpur did not remember him properly. It is learnt that, his house at Sambalpur has been  sold by his daughter Aruna to a local person. Now, it is occupied by a State Government office, after the lease expired. The land is disputed and the related case is lying in the  Odisha High Court. It is learnt that, Assam Government wants to spend more than Rupees One Crore in this land at Sambalpur ,and build a Smruti Bhawan  in the memory of Sahityarathi Laxminath Bejbarua.  As such, Orissa Government should not be silent on the matter.

Laxminath

      The Birth centenary of Laxminath Bejbarua was celebrated by Koshal Sahitya Samaja on 20^th October 1968. Dr Shraddhakar Supkar,  Sunil Mishra and Dr Hadibandhu Mirdha organized the function at Sambalpur. During the celebration , an oil paint of Bejbarua was unveiled at the Municipality Hall. 150^th Birth Centenery was also celebrated at Sambalpur  by Smruti Comitee on 24^th December 2013. Karunakar Supkar and Deepak Kumar Panda, organized the function on 24^th December 2013. Professor  B.C. Barik, Vice Chancellar ,Sambalpur University and Professor B.C. Dash from Assam (Central ) University were the Chief Guest and Chief Speaker respectively on the occasion. 

Laxminath Bejbarua was posted by Bird Company to send timber products from Sambalpur area. He came on September 4^th 1917 to Sambalpur . He started his own business of timber products and continued to stay for long period of 20 years. When he first arrived, he stayed with Jogendra Nath Sen, the Government Pleader. Saroj kumari Devi, wife of J.N.Sen was very hospitable. Then he stayed with Dr Janardan Pujari ,then in a rented house at Kunjelpada.

On 19^th April 1924, Laxminath entered to his own house near European club (Mahanadi Club). There were 12 rooms in the house. There existed a road in front of the house, and river Mahanadi behind the house. Office of the Political Agent was located opposite the road and Government Pleader J.N.Sen’s house was located nearby. Laxminath was fond of flowers and plants. A nice garden about which he has mentioned in his auto biography ‘ Mor Jiban Smaran’ written at Sambalpur existed.  He had a house at Jharsuguda , another in Meghpal area for convenience for his works.

Laxminath had married to Pragyasundari Devi, the niece of poet Rabindra Nath Tagore. Rabindra Nath Tagore’s wife had come to Sambalpur and stayed with Laxminath for some days. On 20^th November 1920, his eldest daughter Aruna got married to Satyabrata Mukherji of Kolkatta. On 23^rd November 1928 , his second daughter Ratna got married to Mohini Kumar Barua of Dibrugad. On this occasion, Chandra Kumar Agrawal from Sambalpur had visited with his family. His third daughter Dipika got converted to Christian religion in 1932, which he did not appreciate, as learnt from his auto-biography.  

Laxminath was a council member In Sambalpur Municipality. He also assisted in construction of the Municipal Building. He was the Chairman of Executive body of Girls High School. He was interested in making arrangement and acting himself in drama at Sambalpur. He organized Rabindranath Tagore’s drama “ Kalamrugaya”, and acted as ‘Japu’.




His residence at Sambalpur

Many people called him as ‘Japu’da after acting as ‘Japu’. He was also interested in  hunting. His friends for hunting were the Deputy Commisioner, forest contractor Mohammad Khan, Narsingh Pradhan of Gadgadbahal  and others. 

‘Jayamati’  the first film in Assamese language was based on his drama book ’ Jayamati Kuanri’ . Shooting of  the film was done between 1933 to 1935. In total, production charges of the film was Rs Fifty Thousand only. Jyoti Prasad Agrawal was producer and director . On 1935 March 10, it was released in Ronak theater.

Laxminath left Sambalpur on 18^th August 1937 on way to Dibrugad to stay with his second daughter Ratna. At Dibrugad, he passed away on 26^th March 1938.

   

Postage Stamp

With Family













Present look-One of his Houses

Dr Kasinath Singh : He came from Uttarpradesh, stayed at Samblpur till expiry. Contributed entire property to Sambaplur public

Dr Kashinath Singh

( This article is based on the book written by Eminent historian Shankar Prasad Padhi ‘Danabira Dr Kasinath Singh’)

The political agent Captain  Hignis was unable to suppress the revolution against the East India Company , raised by Vir  Surendra Sai . On request , Captain Wikins came with the soldiers from Hazaribag.  Along with the soldiers came Dr Kashinath Singh to Sambalpur . Dr Kasinath Singh treated the members of royal family , when Narayan Singh was the king of Sambalpur . He treated royal princes Ashakumari Devi, when she became serious . The King was pleased with Dr Kasinath Singh, and gifted him with a lot of land.

In 1853, Col. Emerson joined as District Magistrate. During his incumbency, there occurred rampant cholera in Sambalpur town and its  adjacent places . The clerks and other office staff absented themselves, due to cholera . The District Magistrate himself was bed ridden due to cholera, and could not attend the office. As such, all offices were closed in 1853.

The District Magistrate Col. Emerson proposed a dispensary and a guest house (dharmasala) at Sambalpur . Prior to it, the public were used to the aurvedic  medicine . It was approved by higher authorities with the condition that when public of Sambalpur contribute Rs 2000, then the administration  would  contribute Rs 100. On 1854 August 7^th, the then Commissioner W.J.Elen  wrote to the then Dewan of Sambalpur  Rai Rup Singh Babu to raise funds for the dispensary and dharmashala. Due to sincere efforts of Rup Singh Babu , first dispensary and one dharmasala were established at Sambalpur. In reply to proposal sent by vide letter dated January 30^th 1855, the Commissioner sanctioned  for the same , vide letter dated February 21^st 1855 ,along with the details of payment to the native doctor and other staff.  

Dr Kashinath Singh served  the public of Sambalpur , when cholera broke out in Sambalpur, in 1853. He got commendation for his service from the Commissioner ,vide letter dated August 14^th 1854 .    Dr Kashinath Singh was appointed as the doctor of the first dispensary of Sambalpur .

Dr Kasinath Singh hailed from the village Baisotyara in Kanpur district , Uttarpradesh. Medical profession dragged him to Sambalpur . He was the son of Gurudayal Singh. He earned a lot of properties  at Sambalpur . He remained a bachelor. He had none to succeed him. Before his expiry. Through a deed, he dedicated  all his properties to the public of Sambalpur. The deed was signed on 23^rd December 1874 in presence of witnesses Padmalochan Sahani, Maharagu Mahapatra,  Govinda Mishra, Chandra Mishra ,  and  Jagannath Panda.

Kashinath Trust presently functions at Sambalpur, with Sri Madhab Chandra Panda,Advocate  as the President and Sri Panigrahi,  Advocate  as Secretary of the trust.  Dr Kasinath Singh contributed  about  250 Acres of land mostly located at villages  Jander , Chichinda , near  Bargarh , and some in another village near Sason .  Kasinath High School is being managed by the Kasinath Trust . Timni Gudi (temple) and some market complex (constructed recently near Sambalpur Municipality Office) are also being managed by the Trust . One Kalyan  Mandap also has been constructed by Government  of Odisha over the land of Kasinath Trust a decade back, near Jail Chowk and lot of vacant land still available  nearby . It is proposed to install a statue of Kasinath Singh in a suitable place to show respect to a great soul like him.

Swami Gyanananda Sarwasati ( Gudia Baba ) 1876-1952

( Birabara  Dash , a poet,  wrote the Biography of Swami Gyanananda Saraswati by collecting true facts about swamiji from persons who had come in contact with swamiji . He has referred to Dr Janardan Pujari’s  “Kailash Pathe “(Odiya) and visited many places while writing  the book. A brief sketch of life history of Swamiji has been reproduced here from the aforesaid book ‘ Swami Gyanananda Saraswati ( Gudia Baba )’(Odiya). Forward for the said book has been written by Dr Nabin Kumar Sahu , Ex Vice Chancellor, Sambalpur University ).

Swami Gyanananda Sarswati 1876-1952
by artiste Tulsi Gadtiya

Gobardhan was born on 1876 Kartik , sukla , pratipada ( Girigobardhan Puja day ) at Bargarh town . Gobardhan belonged to a poor family of madhubashya caste . He was the third son of Dinamani Sahu and Jaikadhi . The swami passed away on Baisakh sukla dashami in 1952 at Atmaram ashram , Raigarh . Swami Atmaram (who had become a sanyasi ) was third brother of Swami Gyanananda Saraswati.
Swamiji  was physically very strong . His height was 7 feet 2 “, fair complexioned and well built . He had a unique feature.  He had to undergo child marriage at the age of 11/12 years, and his wife was of 9/10 years old of village Turum . Unfortunately, she died before coming to father-in-law’s  house . After her expiry, swamiji never got married , remained a bachelor  till expiry .
Swamiji achieved ‘astanga  joga’ and ‘astadasha siddhi ‘ from his master Swami Basudevananda . Due to delay in achieving siddhi, his master advised  Gudia Baba to undergo punishment for the sin done in the past. To learn and achieve ‘astadasha  siddhi’ , Gudia Baba purified his body by undergoing self punishment for the sin ,earlier at a young age . Therefore , to purify himself, he had to undergo a jail term for 21 days   at Sambalpur Central Jail . Gudia Baba came back to Bargarh from Haridwar , requested the Deputy Commissioner , Sambalpur and the then visiting Commisioner  Mr Woodburn to punish him for theft done from Mohan ‘s shop. Mohan was very rich person at that time, residing at Barpali. Under compulsion , the D.C. had to issue order for 21 days imprisionment  to Gudia Baba. After the jail term, he again visited Haridwar and achieved astadash siddhi.  Gobardhan ( Gudia Baba ) was then transformed to Swami Gyanananda Saraswati.
Swami Gyanananda  took the responsibility of Baghambari Ashram at Allahbad (UttarPradesh) . He became Mahanta of the famous Matha at Allahabad , after Swami Basudebananda Saraswati Rothaji handed over the charges of Matha .  Pandit Motilal Nehru , Madan  Mohan Malabya  were visiting the Ashram  on saturday evenings and meeting swamiji during discourse on religious matter . After seven years , swamiji did not like to continue there after his master ( Guru ) expired . He handed over the Math to one of his trained disciple, who at a later date became Mahanta , on recommendation of Gudia Baba.  
After he left Baghambari Math, swamiji went to Kapurtala of Hosiarpur district in Punjab. Mahant  Dibyananda of Kapurtala Math was intimately known to swamiji. Dibyananda wanted to leave his body within a week , and requested Gyanananda to take over Kapurtala Ashram. Under compulsion , Gyanananda became Mathadhish of Kapurtala Math, which had great wealth.  Swamiji stayed for 7 years at Kapurtala as Mathadhish. But wealth of the Math could not attract him. He left Kapurtala Math and started moving aimlessly. Then he visited  Afganisthan, Iran, Turkey,Tibbet etc., and preached on Sanatan Dharma.  Then swamiji came to village Kamgan near Bargarh and established “ Basudevananda Bedanta Sanskrit Pathasala” , a Sanskrit  school , with hostel fascility,  where about 40 /50 students read . Prahalad Pradhan was a student of this school. Prahalad Pradhan at a later date, established the Sanskrit University in Puri , Odisha. Swamiji stayed at village Kamgan from 1920 to 1930.  
Swamiji  stayed with Sushil Kumar Sarkar, Gouranga Charan Behera , Durgaprasad Mishra, Omkarmal Poddar and many others at Sambalpur . He stayed at Sambalpur from 1930 to 1946. He came in contact with Chandra Sekhar Behera , Dr Ramachandra Mishra, Mahendranath Varma, Durgaprasad Mishra, Gokul Chandra Babu , Shyamsundar Behera, Benudhar Pujari , Labanidhar Sunari , Sitaram Tripathy , and many others during his stay at Sambalpur. Dr Janardan Pujari , Chandrasekhar Behera had great respect for Gudia Baba .During his stay at Sambalpur  swamiji established a satsang ashram on the bank of river Mahanadi , with the help from above mentioned people, specially Chandrasekhar Behera and Dr Ramchandra Mishra. Now it is known as Gita Gudi . In 1936, Dr Pujari accompanied swamiji to Kailash and Manasarobar.  Swamiji had earlier visited those places .In 1946 , swamiji went to Raigarh, stayed there in Atmaram Ashram with his middle brother Swami Atmaram till his expiry(1952).      
Three Odiya and four Hindi books written by Swamiji were published . Those books are not available now . He was regular writer of articles in  ‘Kalyan’ (Hindi) magazine . 
After Swamiji left for Raigarh Atmaram  Ashram , Dr Janardan Pujari once requested him in 1947  to visit Sambalpur again, but swamiji declined and did not come to Sambalpur . So also , in 1948 , Brajmohan Panda had gone to Raigarh and requested swamiji to visit  Sambalpur , but  swamiji declined to come to Sambalpur.
Swami Gyanananda passed away on Baishakh  sukla dashami in 1952 at Atmaram Ashram , Raigarh.






Roberto Rossellini 's ( Italian Film Director & Script writer ) short film on Hirakud Dam Construction- Released in 1958

                                    A short film taken by Roberto Rossellini  -
     Hirakud Dam Project , Sambalpur during consruction - released in 1958

Photographs - Visit to Singapore in Feb 2013



My family with son ,daughter , grand children visited Singapore in Feb 2013



My Grand Children are enjoying - Feb 2013

Vir Surendra Sai's grandson Sundar Sai was invited by Durgamadhab Supkar on 8.10.1924 , to attend a musical programme at Aranyak Manch , Jharuapara , Sambalpur

The post card was written on Dt 08 10 1924 , printed at Calcutta
with a photograph of Brahmapura Temple, Jharuapara , Sambalpur

-the exact script of the letter-

 (Original Post Card with Amarnath Supkar ,Advocate,)

Hirakud Dam Project-Photographs during Construction-1951 to 1957

 They also constructed Hirakud Dam

24-2-1954

 

Before Construction   -23-3-1951
 

13-11-1952-My village will be submerged ?- Unknown
 

Hirakud Dam Project-Photographs during Construction-1951 to 1959

14-3-1953
 

Jawahar Minar -14-11-1957
 

Hirakud Dam -17-7-1957

19-6-1957
 




28-5-1957
 

Burla Power House -28-5-1957

28-5-1957
 

28-5-1957
 

29-7-1957
 

28-10-1957
 

Hirakud Dam Project- Photographs during constuction-1951 to 1959

1-8-1955

2-4-1957
 

4-11-1957
 

5-6-1954
 

Gandhi Minar -7-3-1959
 

7-9-1956
 

9-12-1953
 

10-2-1954
 

10-3-1959
 

14-1-1957
 

Swami Vivekananda's favorite disciple Swami Atmananda stayed for two & half years in Sambalpur

‘Nabajuger Mahapurush’ written by Swami Jagdishwarananda , published by Ramakrushna Math , Belur in 1948 , describes about Swami Atmananda’s life history & about  his stay in  Sambalpur. 

Swami Atmananda came to Sambalpur  in October 1916 during Durga Puja , on request by Sushil Kumar Sarkar . He stayed with Sushil Kumar Sarkar in his residence near Sen Park . Swamiji was suffering from severe stomach upset, and asthma when he reached Sambalpur . He was healthy with full vigor, when he left  Sambalpur .  He was cured by digestive water from ‘Paltan kuan’ and medicines prescribed by the then Civil Surgeon at District Head Qr. Hospital .  Paltan Kuan (Well) is located  near  Chandra Sekhar Behera Zilla School . The well Paltan Kuan needs renovation , as well as preservation .   Sambalpur was also free from malaria during that period .

  Swami Atmananda

Govind Prasad Shukul was born in  1868 in the village Debipur . Then he moved to Chanchal Jamindari in Malda district ( West Bengal ). Guru Prasad Shukul ( elder brother of Govind Prasad's father ) was engaged as 'Pujaka' in Chanchal Jamindari temple . Govind Prasad studied at Chanchal High School with monetary help from the Jamindar. While studying in school , Govind Prasad was helping Guru Prasad in worshiping  in temple . Then  Govind Prasad came to Kolkata for higher studies . While studying in college , he was visiting 'Math' with his freinds .

He was known as Shukul Maharaj at Belur Math . He was initiated by Swami Vivekananda in 1897/98, and thereafter he was addressed as Swami Atmananda . During his stay at Sambalpur , he met Jogendra Nath Sen, an eminent lawyer , who was Government Advocate and President, Sambalpur Zilla Parishad at that time . Also  poet Laxminath Bejbarua from Assam stayed at  Sambalpur from October 1917 to 1937 for a period of 20 years . Both Laxminath Bejbarua and Jogendra Nath Sen have contributed a lot to Sambalpur .

 Swami Atmananda stayed at Sambalpur for two and half years , and then left for Belur Math , Kolkata  probably  in March 1919 .

( Kindly contact Shri Shri Ramakrishna Bibekananda Seba Sangha , Sambalpur Preident / Secretary  for a book on 'Swami Atmananda' in Odiya Language , if interested )





Swami Vivekananda in Group

   

Hirakud Dam can not control flood fully

ବନ୍ୟାନିୟନ୍ତ୍ରଣରେ ହୀରାକୁଦ ବନ୍ଧର ଭୂମିକା-  
୨୦୧୧ ବନ୍ୟା
                                 
ଚଳିତ ବର୍ଷ ବନ୍ୟାରେ ଓଡିଶାରେ ୨୧ଟି ଜିଲ୍ଲାରେ ପ୍ରାୟ ୨୦ ଲକ୍ଷ ଲୋକ ରୁ ଊର୍ଦ୍ଧ୍ଵ କ୍ଷତିଗ୍ରସ୍ତ ହୋଇଛନ୍ତି, ୨୫୦୦ କୋଟି ଟଙ୍କାର ସମ୍ପତ୍ତି ନଷ୍ଟ ହେଲା – ସରକାରୀ ହିସାବ ଅନୁସାରେ ୫୦ରୁ ଊର୍ଦ୍ଧ୍ଵ ଲୋକ ମଲେ, ଅନେକେ ନିଖୋଜ ହୋଇଛନ୍ତି -୮୦୦୦ ରୁ ଊର୍ଦ୍ଧ୍ଵ ଗ୍ରାମ ଓ ୨୧ଟି ପୌରସଂସ୍ଥା କ୍ଷତିଗ୍ରସ୍ତ ହୋଇଛି-

 ଉପକୂଳବର୍ତ୍ତୀଜିଲ୍ଲାମାନଙ୍କରେ ବନ୍ୟା ହେଲା ଓ ତତସଙ୍ଗେ ସଙ୍ଗେ ସମ୍ବଲପୁର, ସୋନପୁର, ବରଗଡ, ବଲାଙ୍ଗିର,  ଝାରସୁଗୁଡାରେ ମଧ୍ୟ ବନ୍ୟା ହେଲା-୫୦ ହଜାର ହେକ୍ଟର ପାଣିରେ ବୁଡି ବାଲିଚର ହେଲା-ଏହି ବନ୍ୟାରେ ବିଭିନ୍ନ ଜିଲ୍ଲାର ସଡକ ଯୋଗାଯୋଗ ବିଛିନ୍ନ ହେଲା

·       ବରଗଡ ଜିଲ୍ଲାର ବିଭିନ୍ନ ଅଞ୍ଚଳରେ ବନ୍ୟା ଜଳ ପଶି ବିଭୀଷିକା ସୃଷ୍ଟି କଲା- ହୀରାକୁଦ ବନ୍ଧ ନିର୍ମାଣ ପୂର୍ବରୁ ଏହି  ଅଞ୍ଚଳରେ ଲୋକେ ବନ୍ୟା କଣ ଜାଣି ନ ଥିଲେ-ଏବେ ନିୟମିତ ଦୁର୍ଦ୍ଦଶା ରେ ପରିଣତ ହେଲାଣି -ବନ୍ୟାନିୟନ୍ତ୍ରଣରେ ହୀରାକୁଦ ବନ୍ଧର ବିଶେଷ ଭୂମିକା ରହିଛି- ମୂଳ ପ୍ରସ୍ତାବ ଅନୁଯାୟୀ ହୀରାକୁଦ, ଟିକରପଡା, ନରାଜଠାରେ ବନ୍ଧ ନିର୍ମାଣ ହେବାର ଥିଲା - ଆନ୍ଦୋଳନ ଯୋଗୁଁ ଟିକରପଡା ବନ୍ଧ ପ୍ରସ୍ତାବ ବନ୍ଦହେଲା-ତାପରେ ମଣିଭଦ୍ରାବନ୍ଧ ପ୍ରସ୍ତାବିତ ହେଲା-ଆନ୍ଦୋଳନ ଯୋଗୁଁ ମଣିଭଦ୍ରା ପ୍ରସ୍ତାବ ମଧ୍ୟ ବନ୍ଦ ହେଲା- ବିକଳ୍ପ ହିସାବରେ ସୁବଳୟାବନ୍ଧ ନିର୍ମାଣ ପ୍ରସ୍ତାବ ହେଲା- ଆନ୍ଦୋଳନ ଯୋଗୁଁ ସୁବଳୟା ନିର୍ମିତ ହେଲା ନାହିଁ-ସୂଚନାଯୋଗ୍ୟ ଯେ ମହାନଦୀ ଏ କୂଳରେ ମଣିଭଦ୍ରା , ଆର କୂଳରେ ସୁବଳୟା-ଏହା ଉଲ୍ଲେଖ କରିବା ତାପ୍ତର୍ଜ୍ୟ ହେଲା ସୁବଳୟା ବନ୍ଧ ନାମିତ ହେଲେ ମଧ୍ୟ ମଣିଭଦ୍ରାକୁ ବୁଝିବେ।

·       କେବଳ ହୀରାକୁଦ ବନ୍ଧ ନିର୍ମାଣ ସମ୍ଭବ ହେଲା-

ଚଳିତ ବନ୍ୟା ପୂର୍ବରୁ ହୀରାକୁଦ ତଳ ମୁଣ୍ଡରେ ସିନ୍ଧୋଳ ପ୍ରକଳ୍ପ ସକାଶେ ଓଡିଶା ଜଳ ବିଦ୍ୟୁତ ନିଗମ ଓ ଜାତୀୟ ଜଳବିଦ୍ୟୁତ ନିଗମ ସହିତ ଚୁକ୍ତି ସମ୍ପାଦନ କଲେ-ସିନ୍ଧୋଳ ପ୍ରକଳ୍ପ ବିରୋଧରେ ଆନ୍ଦୋଳନ ହେଲା-ଓଡିଶା ବିଧାନସଭାରେ ଏହି ପ୍ରକଳ୍ପକୁ ବିରୋଧ କରିବାରୁ ଗୃହ କମିଟି ଗଠନ କରାଗଲା-ପ୍ରକଳ୍ପ ବାତିଲ କରିବାକୁ ଗୃହ କମିଟି ମତ ଦେଲେ –ଆଶ୍ଚର୍ଯ୍ୟର କଥା, ବର୍ତ୍ତମାନ ସୁଦ୍ଧା ଏହି ସମ୍ପର୍କରେ ସରକାର କୌଣସି ପ୍ରକାର ଘୋଷଣା କରୁନାହାନ୍ତି-
ଇତି ମଧ୍ୟରେ ଗୃହ କମିଟୀ ସିନ୍ଧୋଳ ଯୋଜନା ବାତିଲ କରିବାକୁ ଘୋଷଣା କଲେ

ଅର୍ଦ୍ଧଶତାବ୍ଦୀ ବିତିଯାଇଥିଲେ ବି ହୀରାକୁଦ ବିସ୍ଥାପିତମାନଙ୍କୁ କ୍ଷତିପୂରଣ ଦେବା ସରିନାହିଁ-ପୁଣି ଆଉଥରେ ବିସ୍ଥାପିତ ହେବାକୁ ପଶ୍ଚିମାଞ୍ଚଳରେ କେହି ପ୍ରସ୍ତୁତ ନୁହନ୍ତି- ସିନ୍ଧୋଳ ପ୍ରକଳ୍ପ ନିର୍ମାଣ ଅସମ୍ଭବ- ମହାନଦୀରେ ଦ୍ଵିତୀୟ ବନ୍ଧ ନିର୍ମାଣ ଅବାନ୍ତର - ମହାନଦୀ ବହିଯାଉ-

ବୃହତ ନଦୀବନ୍ଧ ମାଧ୍ୟମରେ ଆଂଶିକ ବନ୍ୟାନିୟନ୍ତ୍ରଣ ସମ୍ଭବ- ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ଭାବେ ନୁହେଁ-    ହୀରାକୁଦ ବନ୍ଧ ମାଧ୍ୟମରେ ଆଂଶିକ ବନ୍ୟାନିୟନ୍ତ୍ରଣ ସମ୍ଭବ ହୋଇଛି-ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ଭାବେ ନୁହେଁ-

·       ପ୍ରବଳ ଧରଣର ବନ୍ୟାନିୟନ୍ତ୍ରଣ କରିବାରେ ହୀରାକୁଦ ଜଳଭଣ୍ଡାର କେବେ ବି ସମର୍ଥ ହୋଇନାହିଁ-ଏ କଥା ଆମେ ସ୍ଵୀକାର କରିବାକୁ ହେବ-

·       ୧୯୬୨ର ହୀରାକୁଦ ଇଭାଲୁଏସନ କମିଟି ରିପୋର୍ଟରେ ସ୍ପଷ୍ଟଭାବେ ଉଲ୍ଲେଖ ଅଛି- ହୀରାକୁଦ ମାଧ୍ୟମରେ ସାଧାରଣ ବନ୍ୟା ନିୟନ୍ତ୍ରଣ କରାଯାଇପାରିବ- ପ୍ରବଳ ବନ୍ୟା ଆଂଶିକ ଭାବେ ନିୟନ୍ତ୍ରଣ ସମ୍ଭବ- ଅସାଧାରଣ ବନ୍ୟା ନିୟନ୍ତ୍ରଣ ସମ୍ଭବ ନୁହେଁ-ହୀରାକୁଦ ବନ୍ଧ ନିର୍ମାଣର ପଚାଶ ବର୍ଷ ପୂର୍ବରୁ ଯେତିକି ଥର ବନ୍ୟା ହେଉଥିଲା- ପରବର୍ତ୍ତୀ ପଚାଶ ବର୍ଷ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ଅଧିକ ଥର ବନ୍ୟା ହୋଇଛି- ଅବଶ୍ୟ ହୀରାକୁଦ ଯୋଗୁଁ ଆଂଶିକ ବନ୍ୟାନିୟନ୍ତ୍ରଣ ସମ୍ଭବ ହୋଇଛି-

ହୀରାକୁଦ ବନ୍ଧଦ୍ଵାରା ଉପକୂଳବର୍ତ୍ତୀ ଅଞ୍ଚଳକୁ ଆଂଶିକ ଭାବେ ରକ୍ଷା କରାଯାଇ ପାରିଛି-ହେଲେ ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ଭାବେ ନୁହେଁ- ଓଡ଼ିଶାକୁ ବନ୍ଧ ମୟ କରିଦେଲେ  ବି ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ବନ୍ୟାନିୟନ୍ତ୍ରଣ ସମ୍ଭବ ନୁହେଁ – ଯଦି ତାହା ହୋଇପାରୁଥାନ୍ତା, ତାହେଲେ ଆମେରିକା ଭଳି ଏକ ଉନ୍ନତ ରାଷ୍ଟ୍ରରେ ଲୋକେ ଆଜି ବି ବନ୍ୟାରେ ମରୁ ନ ଥାନ୍ତେ- ସୂଚନାଯୋଗ୍ୟ ଯେ, ଆମେରିକାରେ ବୃହତ ନଦୀବନ୍ଧ ସଂଖ୍ୟା ଭାରତ ତୁଳନାରେ ବହୁ ଅଧିକ-

·       ବନ୍ୟାନିୟନ୍ତ୍ରଣ ସକାଶେ ହୀରାକୁଦର ଜଳ ଧାରଣ କ୍ଷମତା ଆରମ୍ଭରୁ ଯଥେଷ୍ଟ  ନ ଥିଲା-ପଟୁମାଟି ଭର୍ତ୍ତି ଯୋଗୁଁ ଏହାର ଜଳ ଧାରଣ କ୍ଷମତା ଶତକଡା ୩୧ଭାଗ ପାଖାପାଖି କମିଛି- ଭବିଷ୍ୟତରେ ଆହୁରି କମିବ- ଅନ୍ୟାନ୍ୟ ଜଳଭଣ୍ଡାର ତୁଳନାରେ ଯଦିଓ ହୀରାକୁଦ ଜଳଭଣ୍ଡାର ବହୁତ ବଡ, ବାସ୍ତବରେ ନିଜ ଅବବାହିକା ପାଇଁ ଏହା ଅତି ଛୋଟ-

ହୀରାକୁଦ ଅବବାହିକାରେ ହାରାହାରି ୧୫ ସେଣ୍ଟିମିଟର ବୃଷ୍ଟିପାତରେ ହୀରାକୁଦ ଜଳଭଣ୍ଡାର ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ  ହୋଇଯିବ-

ହୀରାକୁଦର ଗଭୀରତା ୧୩୦ ଫୁଟ ହୋଇଥିବାବେଳେ, କେବଳ ୪୦ଫୁଟ ଜଳ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ-ବର୍ଷ ଯାକ ୪ ଫୁଟ ବାଷ୍ପ ହୋଇ ନଷ୍ଟ ହୁଏ- ପ୍ରକୃତରେ ୩୬ ଫୁଟ ଜଳ ଉପଯୋଗୀ ହୁଏ- ଏହି ସବୁ କାରଣରୁ ଏହି ସ୍ଥାନ ନଦୀବନ୍ଧ ଯୋଜନା ପାଇଁ ଉପଯୁକ୍ତ ସ୍ଥାନ ନୁହେଁ- ୧୯୪୬ ଡିସେମ୍ବରରେ ମହିଶୂର ର ଅବସରପ୍ରାପ୍ତ ଚିଫ ଇଞ୍ଜିନିଅର ଏମ ଜି ରଙ୍ଗେୟା ମତ ଦେଇଥିଲେ – ବନ୍ୟା ନିୟନ୍ତ୍ରଣ ପାଇଁ ହୀରାକୁଦ ଉପଯୁକ୍ତ ସ୍ଥାନ ନୁହେଁ – ତାଙ୍କ ରିପୋର୍ଟ ଉପରେ ଗୁରୁତ୍ଵ ଦିଆଗଲା ନାହିଁ- ହୀରାକୁଦ ବନ୍ଧ ନିର୍ମିତ ହେଲା-

·       ବର୍ତ୍ତମାନ ପରିସ୍ଥିତିରେ – ହୀରାକୁଦ ଜଳ ଭଣ୍ଡାରର ଜଳର ସୁପରିଚାଳନା ଉପରେ ଅଧିକ ଗୁରୁତ୍ଵ ଦେବା ଆବଶ୍ୟକ - ଜଳ ପରିଚାଳନା ପାଇଁ ଏକ ରୁଲକର୍ଭ ରହିଛି- କେଉଁ ତାରିଖରେ ହୀରାକୁଦ ଜଳ ସ୍ତର କେତେ ରଖାଯିବ ରୁଲକର୍ଭ ଅନୁସାରେ କରାଯାଏ- ତତ୍କାଳୀନ ପରିସ୍ଥିତିକୁ ଦେଖି ୧୯୮୮ ମସିହାରେ ରୁଲ କର୍ଭ ସଂଶୋଧିତ ହେଲା- ତାପରେ ଆଉ ସଂଶୋଧନ ହୋଇନାହିଁ- ଇତିମଧ୍ୟରେ ଜଳବାୟୁରେ ବିରାଟ ପରିବର୍ତ୍ତନ, ଛତିଶଗଡରେ ଅନେକ ବନ୍ଧ ନିର୍ମାଣ ଯୋଗୁଁ, ହୀରାକୁଦକୁ ଜଳପ୍ରବାହରେ ଅନେକ ପରିବର୍ତ୍ତନ ହୋଇଛି

·       ଗତ ସେପ୍ଟେମ୍ବର ୫ ତାରିଖରୁ ୯ ତାରିଖ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ଛତିଶଗଡର ଅଧିକାଂଶ ଛୋଟ ବଡ ବନ୍ଧ ପ୍ରବଳ ବର୍ଷା ଯୋଗୁଁ ଶତକଡା ନବେ ଭାଗ ଭର୍ତ୍ତି ଥିଲା- ଆବଶ୍ୟକତା ଦୃଷ୍ଟିରୁ ସେହି ବନ୍ଧ ସବୁରୁ ଜଳ ନିଷ୍କାସିତ ହେଉଥିଲା- ଏବଂ ଏହି ଜଳ ହୀରାକୁଦ ଜଳଭଣ୍ଡାରରେ ପ୍ରବେଶ କଲା- ସେହିପରି ଇବ ଓ ଭେଡେନ ନଦୀରୁ ପ୍ରବଳ ବର୍ଷା ଯୋଗୁଁ ଏକ ସଙ୍ଗେ ବନ୍ୟା ଜଳ ପ୍ରବେଶ କଲା- ସୂଚନାଯୋଗ୍ୟ ଯେ ଅଙ୍କ କଷାକଷି କରି ହୀରାକୁଦ ଜଳଭଣ୍ଡାରର ଜଳପ୍ରବାହ ଆକଳନ କରାଯାଏ-ଆଧୁନିକ ପ୍ରଣାଳୀ ଅବଲମ୍ବନ କରାଯାଉ- ଜଳପ୍ରବାହ ସଠିକ ଆକଳନ କରାଯାଉ-

 ୬୩୦ ଫୁଟ ସ୍ତର ପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଜଳ ଗଛିତ ରହିପାରିବ ଜାଣି ସୁଦ୍ଧା ସେପ୍ଟେମ୍ବର ୭ ତାରିଖରେ ଜଳପତ୍ତନ ୬୨୫.୬୦ ରଖାଯାଇଥିଲା- ରୁଲକର୍ଭ ଅନୁସାରେ ଯେତିକି ଜଳପତ୍ତନ ରହିବା କଥା ତାହାର ବହୁ ଉପରେ ରହିଥିଲା-୩୬ଟି ଗେଟ ଖୋଲା ଥିଲା- ସେପ୍ଟେମ୍ବର ୨ ତାରିଖରେ ଇଣ୍ଡିଏନ ମେଟ୍ରୋଲୋଜିକେଲ ଡିପାର୍ଟମେଣ୍ଟ ତରଫରୁ ଛତିଶଗଡ ଓ ଓଡିଶାରେ ସପ୍ତାହ କ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ପ୍ରବଳ ବର୍ଷା ହେବ ବୋଲି ଘୋଷଣା କରାଯାଇଥିଲା- କର୍ତୃପକ୍ଷ ଘୋଷଣା ଉପରେ ନଜର ଦେଲେ ନାହିଁ-ତାହା ପରଦିନ ୮ ତାରିଖରେ ଥରକୁଥର କରି ୫୯ଟି ଗେଟ ଖୋଲିଲେ- ପରିସ୍ଥିତି ଅସମ୍ଭାଳ ହେଲା-ପ୍ରବଳ ବନ୍ୟା ଯୋଗୁଁ ଅନେକ କ୍ଷୟକ୍ଷତି ହେଲା-

·       ଛତିଶଗଡ ଓ ଓଡିଶା ମଧ୍ୟରେ ହୀରାକୁଦ ଜଳଭଣ୍ଡାରକୁ ଜଳପ୍ରବାହ ଉପରେ ବୁଝାମଣା ନାହିଁ ବୋଲି ଜଣାଯାଏ- ଏପରି ଏକ ବୁଝାମଣାର ଆବଶ୍ୟକତା ରହିଛି-ପରିବର୍ତ୍ତିତ ପରିସ୍ଥିତିକୁ ବିଚାରକୁ ନେଇ ଏହି ପ୍ରସଙ୍ଗ ଉପରେ ବ୍ୟାପକ ଆଲୋଚନା ହେବା ଏକାନ୍ତ ଆବଶ୍ୟକ-

·       ତତ୍କାଳୀନ ପରିସ୍ଥିତିକୁ ଦେଖି ୧୯୮୮ରେ ରୁଲକର୍ଭ ସଂଶୋଧିତ ହୋଇଥିଲା- ଇତିମଧ୍ୟରେ ହୀରାକୁଦ ଜଲଭଣ୍ଡାରକୁ ଜଳପ୍ରବାହରେ ଅନେକ ପରିବର୍ତ୍ତନ ହୋଇଛି- ବନ୍ୟାନିୟନ୍ତ୍ରଣକୁ ଗୁରୁତ୍ଵ ଦେଇ ଆଉଥରେ ରୁଲକର୍ଭ ସଂଶୋଧିତ କରାଯାଉ-

·       କଂଗ୍ରେସ ଦଳଙ୍କ ମତରେ ଏହି ବନ୍ୟା ଭୁଲ ଜଳ ପରିଚାଳନା ଯୋଗୁଁ ହେଲା- ତଦନ୍ତର ଆବଶ୍ୟକତା ରହିଛି- ମାନ୍ୟବର ରାଜ୍ୟପାଳ ୟା ଉପରେ ତଦନ୍ତ କରିବାକୁ ସରକାରଙ୍କୁ ଲେଖିଲେ- ସରକାର କହିଲେ- ସବୁ ଠିକ କରାଯାଇଛି- ତଦନ୍ତର ଆବଶ୍ୟକତା ନାହିଁ- ସରକାରଙ୍କ ମତ ଯୁକ୍ତିଯୁକ୍ତ ନୁହେଁ-ନିରପେକ୍ଷ ତଦନ୍ତ କରିଥିଲେ ଜଳ ପରିଚାଳନାର ଭୁଲ ଥିଲା ନା ନାହିଁ ଜଣାପଡିଥାନ୍ତା-   

(ବରଗଡ- ଗାନ୍ଧୀସ୍ମୃତି ପାଠାଗାର ତରଫ ରୁ ଆୟୋଜିତ ପୁସ୍ତକ ମେଳାରେ ଇଂ କରୁଣାକର ସୂପକାରଙ୍କ ଦ୍ଵାରା ପ୍ରଦତ୍ତ ଭାଷଣ)

୨୨ ନଭେମ୍ବର ୨୦୧୧

Hirakud Compensation & Rehabilitation : Search displaced families & pay compensation as you searched them while driving them out - No such cruel joke after 60 years of completion of Hirakud

ଖୋଜି ଖୋଜି ତଡିଦେଲ , ଖୋଜି ଖୋଜି କ୍ଷତିପୂରଣ ଦିଅ

ଆମେ ୩ ସେପ୍ଟେମ୍ବର ୨୦୧୧ତାରିଖର ସଂବାଦପତ୍ରରେ ସମ୍ବଲପୁର ଜିଲ୍ଲାପାଳଙ୍କ ‘ସର୍ବସାଧାରଣ ନୋଟିସ’ ଦେଖିବାକୁ ପାଇଲୁ। ହୀରାକୁଦ ନଦୀବନ୍ଧ ଦ୍ଵାରା ବିସ୍ଥାପିତ ଲୋକଙ୍କୁ ସେମାନଙ୍କ  ବାକିଥିବା କ୍ଷତିପୂରଣ/ ଅନୁଗ୍ରହ ରାଶି ଦେବା ପାଇଁ ପ୍ରଶାସନ ବ୍ୟବସ୍ଥା କରୁଛନ୍ତି। ବିଜ୍ଞାପ୍ତି ପ୍ରକାଶ ପାଇବାର  ୩୦ ଦିନ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ଦରଖାସ୍ତ ନ ଦେଲେ ପରେ କ୍ଷତିପୂରଣ ସମ୍ବନ୍ଧୀୟ ଦରଖାସ୍ତ ଗ୍ରହଣ କରାଯିବ ନାହିଁ ଉଲ୍ଲେଖ କରାଯାଇଛି। 

ଏହି ନୋଟିସ ପଢିଲା ପରେ, ଆମେ କ୍ଷତିପୂରଣ ସମ୍ପର୍କରେ କେତେକ ବିଷୟ ସରକାରଙ୍କ ଦୃଷ୍ଟିକୁ ଆଣୁଛୁ। ୧୯୫୫ରୁ ଆଜିସୁଦ୍ଧା  କ୍ଷତିପୂରଣ ନ ପାଇ ଯେଉ ଅଭାଗା ବିସ୍ଥାପିତ ଲୋକେ ଦାଣ୍ଡର ଭିକାରି ହେଲେଣି, ସେମାନେ ସଂବାଦପତ୍ର ପଢି କ୍ଷତିପୂରଣ ସମ୍ପର୍କରେ ଜାଣିବାର ଅବକାଶ ନାହିଁ। ୧୯୫୫ରେ ବିସ୍ଥାପିତ ଲୋକଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ ଅନେକେ ଆରପାରିକୁ ଗଲେଣି, ଅନେକେ ଅନ୍ୟ ପ୍ରଦେଶରେ ଅଛନ୍ତି। ଅନେକେ ଛତିଶଗଡର ସୀମାନ୍ତ  ଗାଁ,ସହର ମାନଙ୍କରେ ରହୁଛନ୍ତି। ସେମାନେ ସଂବାଦପତ୍ର ପଢି ୩୦ ଦିନମଧ୍ୟରେ ଦରଖାସ୍ତ କରିବେ କେମିତି ? ଯଦି ସରକାର ଚାହୁଛନ୍ତି ଦୋଷ ଛଡେଇବା ପାଇଁ, ତାହେଲେ ଏହି ପ୍ରକାର ନୋଟିସ ଦିଆଯାଇପରେ। କ୍ଷତିପୂରଣ ଦେବା ସକାଶେ ଇଛାଶକ୍ତି ଥିଲେ, ସେମାନଙ୍କୁ ଓ ସେମାନଙ୍କର ବଂଶଧରମାନଙ୍କୁ ଖୋଜିବାକୁ ଅନୁରୋଧ। ସର୍ବସାଧାରଣ ନୋଟିସ କେହି ପଢିପାରିବେ ନାହିଁ  କିମ୍ବା ଜାଣିପାରିବେ ନାହିଁ। ସୂଚନାଯୋଗ୍ୟଯେ, ହୀରାକୁଦ ବିସ୍ଥାପିତମାନଙ୍କୁ ୧୯୫୫ରେ, ୧୯୫୬ରେ ଖୋଜି ଖୋଜି ତଡିଦିଆଯାଇଥିଲା। ଏଥିପାଇଁ ପୋଲିସର ସାହାଯ୍ୟ ନିଆଯାଇଥିଲା। ଢେଙ୍କାନାଳରୁ ପୋଲିସ ଆସିଥିଲେ। ଓଡିଶା ବିଧାନସଭା ବିବରଣୀରେ ଏହା ଲିପିବଦ୍ଧ ଅଛି। ବିନା କ୍ଷତିପୂରଣରେ ଯେଉଁମାନେ ତଡାଖାଇଲେ, ସେମାନଙ୍କଭିତରୁ ଅନେକେ ଦାଣ୍ଡର ଭିକାରି ହେଲେ।  ଖୋଜି  ଖୋଜି   ସେମାନଙ୍କୁ ତଡାଗଲା, ଏବେ ଖୋଜି ଖୋଜି କ୍ଷତିପୂରଣ ଦିଆଯାଉ।ବିସ୍ଥାପିତମାନଙ୍କୁ କ୍ଷତିପୂରଣ/ ଅନୁଗ୍ରହ ରାଶି ଦିଆଯିବ ବୋଲି ଉଲ୍ଲେଖ ଅଛି। ଅନୁଗ୍ରହ ରାଶି କାହାକୁ ଦେବେ? ଯାହାର ଜମି ବୁଡିଛି, ତାହାକୁ ଅନୁଗ୍ରହ ରାଶି? ଅନ୍ୟ ଯୋଜନାପାଇଁ ଯେମିତି କ୍ଷତିପୂରଣ ଦିଆଯାଏ , ହୀରାକୁଦ  ବିସ୍ଥାପିତମାନଙ୍କୁ କ୍ଷତିପୂରଣ ଦିଆଯାଉ। ଯେଉଁମାନେ ଦେଶପାଇଁ ତ୍ୟାଗ କଲେ ସେମାନଙ୍କୁ ଅନୁଗ୍ରହ ରାଶି ? ଏହାକୁ ଅନୁଗ୍ରହ ରାଶି କହିବା ଉଚିତ ହେବ ନାହିଁ । ସେମାନଙ୍କୁ ଉପହାସ କରା ନ ଯାଉ । ନୋଟିସରେ କେତେ ଦରରେ କ୍ଷତିପୂରଣ ଦିଆଯିବ ଊଲ୍ଲେଖ କରାଯାଇନାହିଁ। ଆମେ ଜାଣିବାରେ   ଜମି ଏକର ପିଛା ଦଶହଜାର ଟଙ୍କା ହିସାବରେ ଦିଆଯିବ। ବିସ୍ଥାପିତମାନଙ୍କମଧ୍ୟରୁ କେତେଜଣ ଶହେ ଟଙ୍କା ଲେଖାଏଁ ପାଇବେ। ଏହା ହାସ୍ୟାସ୍ପଦ ନୁହେଁ କି? ଶହେଟଙ୍କା ପାଇବାକୁ ଜଣେ ଆସିବାପାଇଁ କେତେ ଶହଟଙ୍କା କାହିଁକି ଖର୍ଚ୍ଚ କରିବ ? ଶହେଟଙ୍କାରୁ କମ ପାଉଥିବା ବିସ୍ଥାପିତମାନଙ୍କୁ କୁଆଡେ ଲିଷ୍ଟରୁ ବାଦ ଦିଆଯାଇଛି। ଅନେକଙ୍କ କୂଅ, ଗଛ ଆଦିକୁ କ୍ଷତିପୂରଣ ଦେବାକୁ ବାଦ ଦିଆଯାଇଛି । ଆଗ ଦରରେ ଗଛପିଛା ଚାରି ପାଞ୍ଚ ଟଙ୍କା ଦେବା ସେମାନଙ୍କ ପ୍ରତି ଉପହାସ ହେବ ମନେକରି ବୋଧହୁଏ ଆଉ ଗଛ ପାଇଁ କ୍ଷତିପୂରଣ ଦିଆଯିବନାହିଁ। ଏବେ ଯଦି କ୍ଷତିପୂରଣ ଦେବାକୁ ମନସ୍ଥ କରିଛନ୍ତି, ଉଚିତ ଦରରେ କାହିଁକି ଦିଆ ନ ଯିବ ? କେନ୍ଦ୍ର ସରକାର ଲେଣ୍ଡ ଏକ୍ୟୁଜିସନ ଏକ୍ଟ ୧୮୯୪ କୁ ସଂଶୋଧନ କରିବାକୁ ଯାଉଛନ୍ତି । ନୂତନ ଆଇନ ଅନୁସାରେ ସମ୍ବବତଃ ବଜାରଦରର ଚାରିଗୁଣ ହିସାବରେ ଜମିପାଇଁ ବିସ୍ଥାପିତମାନଙ୍କୁ କ୍ଷତିପୂରଣ ମିଳିବ। ସରକାରଙ୍କୁ ଅନୁରୋଧ କରୁଛୁ, ଜମି ଦର ସଂଶୋଧନ କରାଯାଉ। ବଜାର ଦରର ଚାରିଗୁଣ ହିସାବରେ କ୍ଷତିପୂରଣ ଦିଆଯାଉ।  ଆମର ଗୋଟିଏ ଢଗ ଅଛି, “ଅଦିଆ ଦିଅଇ ଦାନ, ମୂଷା ଲେଣ୍ଡି ପରିମାଣ।“ ଏହିଭଳି ଦାନ ଦିଆ ନ ଯାଉ। ଅନୁଗ୍ରହ ରାଶି କୁହା ନ ଯାଉ। ନିର୍ଦିଷ୍ଟ ସମୟ ସୀମା ୩୦ଦିନ ନ ରହୁ। ବିସ୍ଥାପିତମାନଙ୍କୁ ଖୋଜି ଖୋଜି ବାହାର କରାଯାଉ ଓ ଉଚିତ ଦରରେ କ୍ଷତିପୂରଣ ଦିଆଯାଉ।

·       ‘ଧରିତ୍ରୀ’ ଓ ‘ସମାଜ’ ଦୈନିକ ସମ୍ବାଦପତ୍ରରେ ପ୍ରକାଶିତ