While Odisha is already witnessing rain fury, the residents of several villages in Kendrapara district are worried over weak embankment points.
The residents are apprehensive over the strength of 2-km embankment along Paika river from Dekudi to Benipur after portion of mud caved in recently. They questioned if such a situation cropped up under the influence of moderate rainfall activity, what would be the situation in case of heavy rainfall.
The residents of 15 panchayats including Raghunathpur, Benipur and Raghudeipur said that though work for strengthening the embankment is being done, there is a possibility of a breach as the soil is being used from nearby fields instead of excavating it from some other place.
"As mud is being lifted near the embankment, it is getting damaged. Though work is on, it is getting affected regularly," alleged Snehasis Das, a resident of Benipur village.
“The condition of the embankment is in precarious condition. Only soil and small stones have been used with plaster which will get peeled off during rain,” alleged Kirtan Sahu, another local.
The condition of the embankment on the south of Luna river for nearly 4 km from Basapur to Sisua at Pundal sub-division is also under precarious condition. Nearly 40000 people of five panchayats inhabit along the Luna river. The work for the repair of 1150 meters is being taken up at an estimated cost of over Rs 5 crore after some 700 meters of the embankment caved in last year (November).
Though the work was expected to be completed by June this year, it is running behind schedule. Moreover, the locals have raised questions about the construction style and quality.
“The stone packing done here is not up to the mark as the embankment will cave in. Residents of 2-3 panchayats will get affected due to this,” said Suresh Chandra Dalai, another local.
Niranjan Rout, another local resident said, “There is a commission for contractor, executive engineer and JE due to which substandard work is being done. Small stones are being used for embankment work which will get washed away."
Kendrapara Collector Amrit Ruturaj said all the river embankments would be reviewed along with the quality of repair works. “Tehsil and irrigation officials had conducted a point-to-point survey and efforts were initiated for packing of embankments. We are also taking steps for strengthening the weak points. We are alert and will take appropriate steps in case of flood or other issues,” said Ruturaj.