CUTTACK: The rampaging Mahanadi, which has started making dangerous advances towards the City, has moved the Government into damage-control mode. A comprehensive survey has been commissioned to study the changing features and flow pattern of the river along Cuttack. The survey, undertaken by experts and engineers from the Water Resources Department, would take into account the whole length of the river flowing along the City. The primary focus would though be the stretch from Deer Park to Jobra Barrage, which has reported deep ingress of the river through the elevated river beds towards the Ring Embankment. There have been points where the river advanced around 200 metres towards the embankment protecting the City. At Gadgadia Ghat, the river moved more than 100 metre closer to the embankment. The river bed at the spot, which has been elevated, is used for varied purposes. The bed hosts the famous Bali Yatra and other fairs, and events throughout the year. According to the Department officials, surface areas are now being measured while the wait is for water to recede to gauge the exact extent of the ingress. “Along with the advances, the factors that could be the reasons for the deviation are being analysed. A comprehensive report on the changing features, extent, causes along with suggestions for remedial measures would be submitted to the Government within 10 days,” Executive Engineer, Mahanadi South Division, Subrat Das said. Meanwhile, with alarm bells pressed concerned citizens have taken to the social networking sites to mobilise public opinion on the issue. A ‘Save the Mahanadi’ campaign has been launched on Facebook (FB) to bring people together and raise voice for protection of Cuttack as well as the river. The FB Group was formed by head of Gastroenterology at the SCB Medical Prof Shivaram Prasad Singh in July raising concern over siltation, unchecked construction activities and indiscriminate dumping of waste that would have devastating consequences in future. “The situation is akin to Mumbai and the Mithi river. The Mahanadi is fast going the Mithi way due to filling up of its bed and narrowing of its path. Not only the Mahanadi poses serious danger to Cuttack but also, more importantly, it can wreak havoc on the villages upstream. The signs were ominous this year as the Mahanadi caused widespread flood devastation in the villages upstream even though the flow of water was much less than in 2008,” said Singh.
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