Joda: Nearly 20 years have passed since construction of the multipurpose Kanpur project across the Baitarani was taken up in Keonjhar district at a cost estimate of Rs 60 crore. The project is now riddled with cost overruns and delays, with the cost now escalating to a whopping Rs 2,200 crore.
The inordinate delay of the project has led to massive discontent among people displaced by the project. Besides, many oustees have been leading a miserable life as they are yet to receive any compensation for their land which was acquired for the project.
According to reports, the Baitarani swells over causing floods almost every year in various parts of Keonjhar, Jajpur, Bhadrak and Kendrapara districts. The government came up with the idea of building the Kanpur dam project at Basudevpur in Kandara panchayat with an aim of controlling floods, and boosting irrigation and electricity generation during drought in these districts.
The government conducted a survey for the project in the area in 1965 and then took 31 years to commence construction.
Orissa Construction Corporation (OCC) was awarded the project, with work beginning in 1996. Strangely, three Chief Ministers laid foundation stones for the project thrice. Since the survey work, about 51 years have passed, resulting in the project cost increasing by over 36 times its preliminary estimate.
Its cost, which was estimated at Rs 60 crore in 1965, has now escalated to Rs 2,200 crore in 2016-17, according to sources in the project office.
After completion of the project, it will generate electricity and irrigate 30,000 hectare of farmland through an 82-km canal in Champua, Jhumpura and Patana blocks, said Ashok Panda, director of the project.
To expedite the project work, the government has appointed an assistant executive engineer and a project director at Basudevpur. However, it is not certain when the project will be completed as officials hesitate from clarifying in this regard.
“Earlier, the project was to be completed by 2011. Later, its deadline was extended several times to 2013, and later to 2016.The project will now hopefully be completed by 2019,” said Prashant Kumar Samantray, assistant executive engineer of the project.
As many as 16 villages were identified to be affected by the multi-purpose mega dam project – 10 villages fully and six partially.
On the other hand, the displaced people have expressed their unhappiness over the inordinate delay in the project, as they alleged that the delay has added to their plight.
As for the problem, Prahallad Patra, an oustee of Murusuan, alleged, “The administration conducted a measurement of my house three years ago, but I have not received compensation as yet. Like me, many people have similar problems. Compensation should be immediately be provided.”
“Whatever compensation the oustees are entitled to should be paid immediately. Due to the project delays, we have been facing a lot of problems,” said Dushmant Giri of Chamakpur.
Murusuan ward member Purna Chandra Mohant said project authorities should provide farmland to the displaced near the colony for the displaced.
Till date, 10 families of his village have not yet received compensation, he added. PNN
