Cyclone ‘Montha’ aftermath: Rushikulya River ‘swallows 50 acres of farmland’

Panic has gripped the residents of Palakatu village under Sorada block in Ganjam district as the Rushikulya River continues to erode its banks and inch every day dangerously close to the settlement, some locals alleged on Sunday.

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Following the impact of cyclone Montha, a heavy inflow of floodwater has allegedly altered the course of the river, which is now flowing toward the village.

It is said that nearly 50 acres of agricultural land have already been swallowed by the river. The strong current has also washed away a lift irrigation (LI) project structure, including its motor and three electricity utility poles.

Locals say the riverbank soil is gradually collapsing, raising fears that the embankment could breach at any time. If the flow continues unchecked, river water may soon enter the village, posing a severe threat to lives and property.

Villagers have urged the district administration and irrigation department officials to inspect the site immediately and take urgent steps to reinforce the river embankment before the situation worsens.

“The river (Rushikulya) has already eaten into the farmlands of the locals, and river water is very likely to ingress the village during next 2-3 days. Embankments have gradually eroded. We appeal to the administration to resolve the issue,” a resident, Jaga Behera, said.

“Around 2-3 metres of the river embankment were washed away in a day, as I saw today. After the remaining 1-2 metres are devoured, the entire village will submerge. Palakatu villagers are in panic, and our lives and properties will be lost at any time,” the Palakatu resident Behera stated.

“Montha cyclonic storm proved to be harmful for Palakatu villagers. The river embankment has been damaged, and a LI point washed away. Acres of farmland were destroyed due to the severe weather disturbance,” local sarpanch, Baburam Mallick, expressed.