Kushabhadra embankments repair delay riles villagers

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Gop: Delay in repair and fortification of Kushabhadra river embankments in Gop area has sparked resentment among the locals.
Residents of several villages in the block claimed that the private contractors engaged by the Water Resources department were yet to repair many vulnerable spots on the Kushabhadra embankments.
It is worth mentioning that many villages in the block had witnessed a flood in 2011 due to a breach in the Kushabhadra embankment near Kushupur. Subsequently, the Water Resources department had carried out some repair works to its embankments.
However, many villagers had urged Nimapara MLA Samir Ranjan Das to strengthen the river embankments so as to prevent any future flood in the area. The Water Resources department had sanctioned `22 crore for strengthening Kushabhadra embankments and engaged a few private contractors for the project.
It was decided that the project would be completed before the onset of monsoon in state. However, the contractors have failed to expedite the work.
“The contractors are yet to complete the project. There are reports that the state government may take back the unspent money. Heavy water flow in the river during rainy season may cause breach in the river embankments,” rued a villager.
Water Resources department assistant executive engineer, Sangram Keshari Mohanty, said they have asked the contractors to expedite the project work.