: To give a new lease of life to the water bodies, which are on the verge of extinction, the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) has planned to renovate 84 water bodies in the city limits.
 
Official sources said, a drone and bathymetric survey has already been conducted for the majority of the identified water bodies.
 
Commissioner of the SMC Vedbhusan said of the total 84 water bodies, work on four water bodies is slated to commence shortly. Similarly, the detailed project reports (DPRs) for the renovation of the 10 other water bodies have already been completed. The water bodies will be renovated phase wise, he added.
 
There was a time when the water bodies were the crucial sources of water for the city residents. However, due to the negligence and inattention, several water bodies are now in a deplorable state. Most of them have been encroached besides being filled with filth, weeds and silt. A majority of them are also unfit for human use now. 
 
Official sources said, under the project, desiltation of the water bodies will be a priority, along with strengthening the embankments. Additionally, pathways will be constructed on the embankments and measures will be implemented to prevent the dumping of waste into the water bodies post-renovation.
 
An official of the SMC said, “We will try to use natural methodology for the renovation work as much as possible, aligning with the 'Ama Pokhari' scheme, to make the renovation process sustainable and cost-effective. Organic methods will also be prioritized to avoid excessive concretization during renovation.”
 
Earlier in 2019, the SMC had taken up restoration work of multiple water bodies in the city with the help of SHGs. However, due to lack of maintenance after Covid-19 outbreak, the ponds went back to their old condition.