Noted environmentalist and Bhumiputra Multipurpose Cooperative Society president Sankhanada Behera has demanded construction of a barrage over the Mahanadi near Bhutamundai to solve water crisis and conserve water resources.
Behera mentioned the necessity of rainwater and river water reservation and utilisation of water for farmers and industries. Behera had demanded the same back in March 2012 and written several letters to the Central and State Government authorities in this regard. Though the Union Government had responded to the matter, it is the job of the State Government to do.
Notably, all local industries depend on the Taladanda Canal for their water requirements. But the canal does not flow all over the year. Hence the Paradip Refinery Project is supplying water from Cuttack Hadia Patha through a 90 km pipeline, which is costly.
“If a barrage will be constructed over the Mahanadi, the river water will be sufficient for industries. Besides, a new canal should be constructed from Bhutamundai to Chandikhol near NH-5A so that farmers of Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur and Jajpur will be benefited and the rain water and over flows Mahanadi water will stocked at the barrage and utilized by farmers and industries,” Behera said.
The environmentalist urged Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for construction of a new barrage over the Mahanadi near Bhutamundai.