Bhubaneswar, Dec. 28 -- The proposed irrigation project on Samakoi River in Telkoi block of Keonjhar district will not be executed, following strong opposition from local residents. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced cancellation of the project on Sunday, citing public concerns.

After the change of previous BJD-led government in the State, approval had been granted for Chakradhar Irrigation Project on the Samakoi River under Karadangi panchayat in Telkoi block.

While the project was expected to provide irrigation benefits to parts of Angul district, it also posed the risk of submerging several villages in Telkoi block.

Fearing large-scale displacement, local residents had been opposing the project for nearly four decades.

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