Bhubaneswar, 10 November (H.S.): The Odisha Government has intensified post-cyclone restoration of damaged irrigation networks, river embankments and flood protection infrastructure across Ganjam district, with the Department of Water Resources (DoWR) accelerating repair works to restore irrigation services and strengthen flood resilience.

Following the recent cyclone and subsequent flooding, irrigation water supply has resumed through several major canal systems, providing relief to farmers and affected communities. Restoration work has also been completed at 71 breach locations across the Rushikulya-Bahuda-Vansadhara-Nagavali (RBVN) Basin, Brahmapur, while repairs at another 49 locations are underway.

According to the Department, a total of 3,882.15 metres of damaged stretches has been restored as of November 10, reflecting the progress made through sustained field-level interventions.

A major achievement has been the resumption of irrigation water supply through both the Right and Left Main Canals of the Ghodahada Irrigation Project following emergency restoration work. Kharif water supply has also resumed through the Daha Right Distributary.

At the Jayamangala Irrigation System, temporary repairs to damaged sections have enabled water supply at 3.5 cumecs up to 12.5 km of the Main Canal. Similarly, irrigation supply has resumed through the Girisola and Mahanadi Canals of Madhabarida Anicut, with the latter extending up to 26 km towards Sahaspur village.

The Gallery Canal from Sorishamuli Barrage has also resumed water supply up to its tail end, restoring another important irrigation network.

Embankment and flood protection works gain momentum

Alongside canal restoration, the department has undertaken extensive repair work on flood-damaged embankments and associated infrastructure at several locations.

Major interventions include restoration along the Jayamangala Inundation Nalla near Khurigam in Chhatrapur block, the Ghodahada River Flood Bank near Singhipur in Hinjili block and the Rushikulya River Flood Bank near Ranajhalli in Purushottampur block.

Repair works have also been undertaken at Mathura Minor near Polasara and on the approach road to Boggi Nalla Check Dam at Tandipur in Patrapur block to restore damaged infrastructure and improve connectivity.

Meanwhile, restoration work at Janivili Anicut is continuing. The department is also inspecting vulnerable locations, including Padmatola Nalla in Chikiti block, Tipisira and Khama Nallas in Asika, and Badua Nalla near Mangalpur.

Special attention is being given to Padmatola Nalla, an inter-state drainage channel connected to the Bahuda River. Flooding in the channel had disrupted traffic on National Highway 16. Improving its downstream water-carrying capacity through coordinated inter-state interventions has been identified as a priority to ensure effective discharge of floodwater.

With irrigation systems gradually returning to operation and embankment restoration progressing, the Department of Water Resources is continuing its efforts to rebuild damaged infrastructure and strengthen flood protection mechanisms.

The ongoing restoration drive aims not only to revive essential irrigation services but also to enhance the resilience of vulnerable areas against future flooding and extreme weather events.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda