Suka-Paika River On Mahanadi Delta To Be Rejuvenated: Odisha Govt

Bhubaneswar: Mahanadi delta region’s Suka-Paika drainage channel, which is also called the ‘dead-river’ will be rejuvenated soon, informed Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra on Friday.

Attending a meeting held with Water Resources Department here, Mahapatra has directed the officials to ensure the completion of the work within 18 months.

“Keep the renovated channel filled with water throughout the year so that farmers on both sides could utilize the water for irrigation purposes,” Mahapatra said.

It was decided to construct 4 bridges connecting village roads from both sides of the channel. The estimated cost of around Rs.49.67 crore was accorded in-principle approval in the meeting.

The channel originated from River Mahanadi’s right embankment near the village of Ayatpur. After traversing about 30.45 kms across 21 Gram Panchayats in Cuttack Sadar, Nishintakoili, and Raghunathpur Blocks of Cuttack district, the channel again merged in River Mahanadi at Bankala near Tarapur, Additional Chief Secretary, Anu Garg said.

Mouth of the natural channel was closed in 1950s as a high-flood control measure. Renovation of the channel would yield multi-sided outcomes from the viewpoints of the creation of irrigational potential, growing of cash crops, fishing activities, and restoration of the eco-system.

Principal Secretary Finance, Vishal Kumar Dev, Cuttack Collector, Bhabani Sankar Chaini, Engineer in Chief Water Resources, Bhakta Ranjan Mohanty along with senior officials were present in the meeting.