Dhusuri: A nearly 200-foot stretch of the Baitarani river embankment near Olag village in Bhadrak district’s Chandbali block collapsed Friday night, triggering panic among residents who fear a breach if the river swells again.
Another stretch of about 300 feet has reportedly sunk, leaving the embankment in a precarious condition. The embankment, which is around 30 feet wide, has lost 20 to 25 feet of its width at several places to the river, with about 5 to 10 feet remaining in some stretches, according to local residents.
The situation has raised concern among villagers, particularly as heavy rain is likely over the next couple of days under the influence of a low-pressure system. Residents fear that another rise in the Baitarani water levels could cause a breach in the weakened embankment, potentially affecting Olag and neighbouring areas. Meanwhile, the tender process for improvement of the embankment from Doharapatan to Sathibankuda has reportedly been completed.
However, some residents have alleged that only murram was laid on about a 1-km stretch from Doharapatan without proper rolling.
They have demanded an inquiry into the work. Olag resident Ranjit Nayak said the situation could have been avoided if the embankment had earlier been strengthened with soil up to Sathibankuda.
Irrigation department Junior Engineer Bimal Behera said officials would visit the affected site and assess the condition of the embankment. Necessary repairs would be undertaken based on the assessment, he said.
