Pipli: While the terrifying memories of a massive damage caused by floodwaters due to a breach at Phulupal on Bhargavi River in 2008 are yet to fade from public memory, allegations have now emerged that illegal sand mining at the same location has raised fears of another breach at Phulupal.
The All India Mool Nibasi Sangh (AIMNS) has submitted a written complaint to the Puri Collector in this regard. In 2008, a breach had occurred on the western embankment of the Bhargavi River.
Despite this, no upgraded embankment strengthening work has been undertaken by the concerned department since the flood to ensure the safety of areas such as Laxminarayanpur, Gobindapur, Jagannathpur, Nuasasan, Dandamukundapur, Mangalpur, Teishipur, Jasuapur and Satashankha.
The complaint states that thousands of trips of sand-laden vehicles are passing over the weak embankment, further weakening it.
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For illegal sand transportation, an unauthorised temporary bridge has reportedly been constructed by laying pipes across the Sakhigopal branch canal. Sand-laden vehicles are allegedly using this canal bridge after accessing the embankment.
The AIMNS has demanded high-quality strengthening work for the protection of the embankment.
The outfit’s state president Bijay Kumar Sethi has informed the Puri Collector, Sub-Collector, Pipli tehsildar, Assistant Executive Engineer of the Irrigation department at Pipli, and the Superintending Engineer, Puri, regarding the issue.