Tihidi: Kundinai, a distributary of Salandi, under Tihidi block of Bhadrak is losing its existence, even as no efforts have been made to regenerate it under river renovation project.
According to a report, for the past eight months, the river has become dry. The river used to be the lifeline for agriculture and greenery in eight panchayats under Tihidi and Bhadrak blocks.
Locals said, no step has been taken for its revival under river renovation project. Activists of various outfits are worried over its miserable condition. They had earlier taken up agitations for its revival. It was learnt that no step was taken by the Salandi Irrigation division to estimate the project cost.
Kudanai originates from Salandi and flows through Bentala, Kedarpur, Dolasahi, Nuabandh, Paliabindha, Achak, Maharampur and Saya panchayats. The river is named Dhalanai downstream where it submerges with river Mantei.
Several thousand farmers residing in the eight panchayats used to grow vegetables and raise paddy crop utilizing its water. Besides, the river drains out overflowing water from nearby farmlands into the sea.
At places, it is losing its existence. Banks have collapsed at some areas, making its narrow. Environmentalists and farmers say, there is need for immediate efforts to infuse life to the river.
“If adequate steps are not taken to renovate this river, it will soon get extinct,” said Basant Nayak, a former sarpanch of Paliabindha. Damodar Senapati, the secretary of Khet Mazdoor Union, said agitations were launched to renovate the river in the past and it will continue to resort to agitations.
Durgaprasad Tripathy, junior engineer of the Salandi Irrigation Division, said a proposal for renovation of Kundinai was sent to the department, but it has not acted upon it. River renovation can be taken up only after its approval and fund availability, he added.
