Paralakhemundi: Neglect in ponds’ restoration may bring huge water crisis next summer, a report

Paralakhemundi, a town in Odisha’s Gajapati district, is likely to face huge water crisis in the coming days. Especially in the summer of next year, the crisis will heighten. And this is all due to the neglect of the restoration of its ponds.

These ponds, dug by Parala Maharaja Shri Krishnachandra Gajapati during his reign in the pre independence time, for groundwater management and sanitation, have been drying up allegedly due to negligence of the Municipal authorities. The restoration work of these ponds, though started long ago, is yet to be completed. And hence, the residents are worried over the decreasing groundwater level, which may lead to severe water scarcity in the coming years.

The restoration work of the four ponds

Sadaram pond: Delayed restoration

The Sadaram pond’s restoration work, started in 2023 under the Amrit Yojana, has been slow. Despite spending over Rs 6 lakh, the work remains incomplete even after two years. The allocated budget for the project was Rs 45 lakh.

Dolabandh pokhari: Years of incompletion

The restoration of Dolabandh Pakhori began in 2020, with approximately Rs 30 lakh spent so far. However, the work is still incomplete, and a new tender of Rs 19 lakh has been issued, which will likely take another two years to finish. This has left the city’s residents suffering for the past five years.

Sankhuri pond: Prolonged neglect

The restoration work on Sankhuri pond has been ongoing since 2008, with significant funds allocated, including Rs 15 lakh in 2008 and Rs 56 lakh in 2017. Despite this, the work remains unfinished, and an additional Rs 1 crore 45 lakh has been allocated to complete the project.

Patnaik pond: A Waste of Resources

The Patnaik pond’s restoration, started in 2009, has seen substantial expenditure, with Rs 2 crore 11 lakh spent so far. Unfortunately, the project is far from completion, rendering the investment ineffective.

Consequences and Concerns

The neglect of these ponds has severe implications for the city’s groundwater management and residents’ livelihood. Fishermen are struggling to make a living, and the decreasing groundwater level is a pressing concern.

Assurance by authorities

In this regard, the Municipal Council Executive Officer has said that all the ponds will be operational soon. The problem will be solved by April next year yet the residents of Paralakhemundi are skeptical. The groundwater level in the city is also decreasing about which the city residents are worried.

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