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Balasore/Bhadrak: Though the fresh spell of monsoon rains provided much needed relief to people in several parts of the State, residents of Balasore and Bhadrak are having sleepless nights due to poor weak embankments in their respective districts.
According to sources, the left embankment of Baitarini river is in dilapidated condition while the British-era anicut at Akhuapadar in Bhadrak district is also crying for urgent maintenance.
"An estimate of Rs 7.40 crore has been prepared by the Water Resources Department for taking up the repair work of the weak embankment on the left side of Baitarini river near Balipokhari. We hope the proposal will be soon cleared by NABARD and the construction work will be taken up subsequently," said Bhadrak Collector, Gyana Das.
Similarly, the Balipokhari Escape near Akhuapadar is also reeling under negligent. The locals alleged though funds for the strengthening of the embankment were sanctioned by the Technical Committee of the Water Resources Department, the construction work is yet to be taken up.
"Lakhs of rupees is being duped every year by only painting the structure new. The Water Resources Department is in a deep slumber here," alleged Bhadrak district BJP president, Badrinarayan Dhal.
On the other hand, embankments in Subarnarekha river at many places are also in precarious condition and need urgent repair works. A huge breach has been reported in the river embankment at Mankidia which can create problems for nearly 5,000 people in Mankidia and Kuanrpur panchayats.
Besides, at least 20 breaches have been detected between Behersahi and Olmara in the district.
"The rain is about to start and the patch work that was done last year in the river embankment has completely washed away. If the stone packing or spur packing is not done at the earliest, more than 10,000 families in the stretch from Kuanrpur to Dakshin Praharajpur will be inundated due to floods in Subarnarekha river," said Alok Ghadei, a local resident.
"Already an estimate of Rs 15.20 crore for the repair of embankments from Makidia to Kuanrpur has been prepared. Once the tender process formalities are completed, the construction work will be undertaken ," said executive engineer, Dhirendra Nath Dash.
