Bhubaneswar: The Suka-Paika drainage channel, called the ‘dead-river’ in Mahanadi delta region of Cuttack district will be rejuvenated.
The Water Resources Department will be soon floating tenders for renovation of the channel. Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra has directed the department to ensure completion 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 the WR Department Engineers at a meeting held here on Friday.
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 village Ayatpur. After traversing about 30.45 kms across 21 Gram Panchyats 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 view points 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.
