Post News Network
Cuttack: Water resources department has initiated the process of razing an old barrage on Mahanadi river near Jobra here.
The department has arranged mechanised boats to demolish the barrage. “The old barrage is responsible for accumulation of silt on the riverbed. Several artificial islets have developed on Mahanadi bed due to accumulation of silt. These islets obstruct the smooth release of floodwater in rainy season,” water resources department Mahanadi barrage division executive engineer Bighnaraj Purohit said.
Water resources department engineers had proposed the demolition of the barrage and dredging of the islets after undertaking a comprehensive survey in 2010-11, sources said.
According to sources, water resources department had submitted an estimation of `27 crore for demolition of the barrage and `103 crore for dredging the islets. However, the project could not be move ahead due to funds crunch.
The Orissa High Court (HC), meanwhile, directed Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to provide funds for the project as part of its corporate social responsibility while allowing the oil major to draw water from Mahanadi for its refinery and petrochemical project at Paradip.
District administration sources said the water resources department floated tenders to dismantle the barrage after IOCL provided funds in this regard.
“The Orissa Construction Company has been engaged to demolish the barrage. But no decision has been taken to dredge the islets in the river. We are waiting for submission of a survey report in this regard by IIT, Chennai,” Purohit said.
