Heavy rains washed away a diversion over Kharkai river at Gazia  at the adjoining Seraikela-Kharsawan district, last evening. The diversion  was built  in 2013 by private construction company which is engaged in construction of a barrage at Gazia by Subernarekha Multi-purpose Project (SMP).

Soon after the incident the link between Adityapur and Rajnagar block, both in Seraikela-Kharsawan district was cut off, leading people, including a large number of industrial areas to remain struck.  Chief engineer, Chandil Dam, Virendra Kumar Ram confirmed the incident.

Ram said that the diversion was set up by the construction company for moving the construction materials and equipment for the Rs 350 crores worth barrage.

“The incident took place last evening. We are investigating the mishap. The diversion had been set up by the construction company for moving materials and equipment for construction of the barrage, but the people would use it for communicating between Rajnagar and Adityapur," said the chief engineer.

Ram said after the diversion was washed out not only the commuters are suffering but the construction company will also have to face problem in carrying out the project which is approaching toward completion.

According to information, about 10,000 people, including industrial workers, and common people used to travel through the diversion for coming to Adityapur every day. Now they have to cover an extra 30 Kms for reaching their destination.

“ The diversion was important for us to reach Adityapur but now we have no choice but to travel extra. Apart from workers ehicles like cars, SUV, van beside two-wheelers would pass through the diversion which had been set up five years ago,” said a local resident.

An official of the construction company said that the diversion was hit because of heavy rains. It had partially eroded during a spell of torrential rain three days ago.  He said due to the subsequent intermittent rain in this reason, the diversion was washed away.