Cuttack beautification project: Crores go to waste as Taladanda Canal remains waterless

The Taldanda Canal in Cuttack, once envisioned as a scenic destination for residents and tourists alike, now lies barren and neglected. Despite crores being spent on its beautification in the fiscal year 2022–23, the canal is now devoid of both water and activity.

Three years after its renovation, the situation has drastically deteriorated. Instead of boats gliding across clean waters, what remains now is a dry stretch choked with garbage and overgrown weeds.

Locals, once hopeful about the project’s promise, now express dismay over the state of the canal. The boating club, which was a key attraction, has seen a sharp decline in visitors.

“There’s neither water nor boats now. All that remains is disappointment,” says local social worker Suresh Mohanty, alleging government negligence.

“People lack awareness regarding maintaining the cleanliness of this canal, and this is because the government has not ensured proper enforcement of laws. In many ways, administrative oversight is to be blamed,” he added.

Boating and Food Court: A Short-Lived Attraction

In September 2023, the Taldanda Boating Club and a vibrant food court were inaugurated to great fanfare. Reports stated that over a hundred visitors would gather daily at those times, enjoying rides on Shikara boats imported from Kashmir and doughnut-shaped boats that provided a fun twist to traditional boating experiences.

However, the excitement was short-lived. Due to a lack of water in the canal, boating activities have been halted for several months, turning the once-buzzing area into a ghost town.

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Officials Blame Rail Work, Promise Swift Resolution

Cuttack Mayor Subas Singh acknowledged the issue, stating that ongoing railway work has delayed the release of water into the canal. He assured that discussions with railway authorities are underway and that the problem would be resolved soon.

“An important bypass road was being constructed by the railways, because of which the water department had refused permission to release water into the canal. However, once the construction is complete, everything shall be restored back to order,” he said.

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Meanwhile, geosynthetic mattresses lining both banks of the canal have been overtaken by wild vegetation, further adding to the canal’s dismal appearance. For now, residents can only hope that the government revives what was once touted as a transformative urban project.