Bhograi: The Coast Canal passing through Balasore district was once a major route for Odisha’s maritime trade. It was also a lifeline for agriculture in the district as it was source of irrigation to large tracts of farmlands.
A total of 110 wind-driven lift irrigation points was set up along its route. Sadly, the historic canal has lost its existence for lack of renovation, sources said. Odisha was hit by a great famine in 1866.
The situation was horrible. However, the construction of the canal started in 1880 to prevent famines in future. The canal work was completed in 1885.
At that time, the canal proved to be a boon for undivided Balasore district as it opened up maritime trade, transport and communication routes in Bhograi, Baliapal and Basta.
The canal passes through 13km in Bhograi, 14km in Jamkunda in Baliapal and 13km from Jamkunda to Madhata. Overall, the canal stretches from Geonkhali in West Bengal up to Cuttack.
When the English ruled India, the East India Company conducted maritime trade through the canal from Odisha to Kolkata. A 214 km-stretch of the Coast Canal passes through Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur and Cuttack.
It was said that due to flourishing maritime trade on this water route, several industrial units had mushroomed along banks of the canal. However, after Independence, trade on this route lost its relevance.
Both the Odisha and central governments neglected the waterway. At different places, the canal has lost its existence as silt has deposited over with the passage of time.
At some places, it has been choked with weeds and hyacinths. In 1974-75, the Odisha government took up renovation of the canal in some areas.
In 2015, with effort of the Bhograi MLA Ananta Das, Rs 1.12 lakh was sanctioned for renovation for the stretch from Mankund to Bhograi Lock.
But the work was allegedly botched up. The irregularities were probed by the Irrigation department. People of Bhograi observed that if the Coast Canal is renovated, it would be helpful in the progress of the state’s agriculture and economy.
People have encroached upon parts of canal banks at many places. Locals lamented that unless proper maintenance is carried out the canal will vanish into oblivion. They said the canal is slowly dying because of lack of maintenance and dredging.
Revival of the British era canal has been a major demand of the coastal people. But, no steps have been taken so far to renovate the water channel, which would be of great help in boosting irrigation, flood control and pisciculture in coastal parts of the district.
Locals said if the canal is revived and connected with Kansabansa river at Baunsadia in Kharasahapur panchayat, over 2,000 hectares of farmlands at Abhana, Kharasahaspur, Aruhabada, Baripada, Bishnupur and Chittal would get the benefit of irrigation.
Drought-like situations could be avoided in coastal parts, they added. Farmer said that the renovation of the Coast Canal assumes importance as it can be used for irrigation in coastal pockets.
Farmers then will be able to raise crops twice a year by using its water. Others observed that the Odisha government should think of linking the coast canal with Kansabansa river to end droughts in the area which happen annually.
Prafulla Behera, the executive engineer of the Drainage Division said that Rs 25 lakh had been sanctioned from the FDR fund last year for de-weeding the canal. However, work is yet to be completed.
In the current year, Rs 20 lakh was sanctioned for cleaning of 14-km stretch of the canal.
Block additional agriculture officer Ranganath Patra said that the Agriculture department has already written to the government for renovation of the canal to boost irrigation.
PNN