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Renovation of nalas awaited

Staff Reporter

NABARD-funded project yet to be launched

BERHAMPUR: Some 25,000 persons living in low-lying areas of the city are still worried over the prospects of having to face flash floods should there be any rain as the much-awaited renovation of Bahana Nala and Sapua Nala is yet to start with the financial assistance of NABARD.

According to Berhampur MLA Ramesh Chandra Chyau Patnaik, the project costs Rs. 3.28 crores. The NABARD released Rs. 90 lakhs for the first phase of the work.

The two canals, which flow on both sides of the city, are the main outlets of rainwater. While Bahana Nala meets the sea at Markandi, Sapua Nala enters the sea near Bahuda. Encroachments in the city limits and gathering of silt at the meeting points with the sea decreased the water bearing capacity of these canals, causing hardship to people during rain.

In October 2003, continuous rain caused heavy flood. People of Gajapati Nagar, Nilanchal Nagar and Alakapuri had to be rescued using boats. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had to rush to the flood-hit areas. Mr. Patnaik then promised to arrange funds for renovation of the two canals only after the encroachments on them were removed.

Though the administration removed the encroachments, the government could not generate funds from its own sources for the purpose of renovation. Subsequently, NABARD agreed to fund the project. Tenders were floated for the work on November 28. The first phase work mostly involved dredging of the canal mouths connecting them to the sea.

According to Prasad Rao, a resident of Gajapati Nagar, the renovation would be a great boon for people of the city as it would put an end to flash floods during rains.

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