Paradip: The state government is reportedly planning to construct an anicut at Bhutmundai near Paradip in Jagatsinghpur district to prevent rainwater from flowing into the sea.
Deputy secretary of the state water resources department, PK Mishra, had written to the chief engineer of the department asking him to review the proposal of constructing an anicut at Bhutmundai August 5.
A copy of the letter was marked to social activist Sankhanada Behera, who was spearheading a campaign to conserve water in the river during the summer. Behera had written several letters to the state government and Centre in this regard.
The Mahanadi merges with the Bay of Bengal through several river mouths at Paradip. Over eight mega industries and the entire agricultural system in Jagatsinghpur and neighbouring Kendrapara district are dependent upon the river.
Water is taken from various distributaries of the river and is then supplied to residents. Of late, the river has begun to dry up during the summer, resulting in the groundwater levels depleting and its distributaries getting buried in wastes due to lack of water flow.
This has caused concern among locals, who said construction of an anicut to conserve rainwater from overflowing into the sea is the need of the hour.
The construction of an anicut can keep the river flowing with water throughout the year and can help in conserving the ecosystem which will help fishermen sustain with their livelihood.
Hilsa fish, a much sought-after delicacy in these parts, lays its eggs in freshwater although it lives in saline water. Similarly, prawns also live in freshwater but lay eggs in saline water. PNN
