'Odisha delaying Indravati-Jora Nullah project'

The Odisha Government was responsible for sluggish pace of construction of structure at the confluence of Indravati river and Jora Nullah, said Water Resources Minister Brijmohan Agrawal in Chhattisgarh Assembly on Tuesday. We will meet the officers of Odisha Government and ask them to expedite the work being undertaken by Odisha Construction Company (OCC), said Agrawal in a reply to a question raised by BJP member Santosh Bafna. Bafna had asked about the funds that have been allocated by the State Government for the project till February 1, 2015.  How much construction has been completed till the aforesaid date and what is the present status besides deadline set for completion of work, he asked.

Agrawal replied that the Government has allocated `31.68 crore till February 1, 2015 for the structure and 40 per cent of the construction has been completed. The work is being undertaken by OCC under Odisha Government. Agrawal replied that the initial deadline for the work was June 24, 2015 and has been revised to June 22, 2015. Bafna asked if the State Government will exert pressure on the Odisha Government to expedite the work. 

Agrawal said that he and Chhattisgarh Government has written at least 15 letters to the Odisha Government in this regard. In his recent visit, the Chief Secretary of Odisha had given assurance in this regard.

Bafna said that the entire water of Indravati river goes in Jora nullah. He asked will the Government make some temporary arrangement in the interest of people of Bastar till the construction of the structure is completed. Agrawal assured that the existing structure will be fortified and he will visit the site and also call officers of Odisha. We will create pressure Odisha government to expedite the work, he said.