Bridge construction increases flood risk in Bhubaneswar
Residents in Bhubaneswar are expressing their concern that the bridge that is being constructed on the Gangua nullah might have an adverse effect on the environment. The bridge which is under construction has blocked the flow of the natural drainage which carries the water of ten drains from the city. The construction might in fact cause man made deluge in those parts of the city. The area near Gangua nullah is a low-lying area and is more prone to floods. The concerns of the citizens have failed to reach the ears of the civic authorities as they are not taking the situation seriously.
The builder is constructing the bridge to regain 4.5-acre of land on the other side of Gangua nullah. An approach road is built in the nullah that has stopped the water flow. The Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the water resources department Mr Suresh Chandra Mohapatra, has said that there is a threat of foods in the low-lying areas of the city especially the parts of Old Town area. The construction might also adversely effect National Highway-203. Another anonymous senior engineer of the water resources department has said that the construction is a violation of the basic natural drainage architecture and the authorities should review the plan with detailed scrutiny.
Source: The Telegraph
Bhubaneswar, Bridge, Builder, Floods, Natural drainage, Residents
This construction should be stopped immediately.