Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi has sought intervention of the Centre in rejuvenation of river Prachi, which has turned dead, to meet drinking water and irrigation needs of three districts in Odisha.
Aparajita took up the matter with Union Minister of Jal Shakti (water resources) Gajendra Shekhawat during a meeting in New Delhi and submitted a letter in this regard.
The MP stated that river Prachi was once the lifeline of the state flowing for 78 km through 6 blocks of three districts. It was used to transport huge stones to build the 12th century Konark temple in Puri district. The famous temple of ‘Maa Mangala’ revered by one and all in Odisha, is situated on the banks of Prachi.
Unfortunately, Prachi is a dead river now due to lack of flow of water from river Kushavadra, which is a distributary of river Mahanadi.
People living near the banks of Prachi have been requesting the authorities to take up its rejuvenation work. ‘Prachi Prajna Parishad’ is one of many organisations that have been constantly pursuing this cause, said Aparajita.
The Water Resources department of the state government had prepared a project report for rejuvenation of Prachi river, which was sanctioned by all relevant technical authorities in September, 2021. The technical personnel of the department had estimated the project cost at Rs 297.81 crore.
The project involves construction of reservoir, retaining wall, 7 bridges and service road, afforestation, creation of river bed and dredging of river mouth.
The BJP leader further said if the project is executed, it would transform the lives of the people living in Prachi valley and nearby areas. It would not only meet their drinking water needs but also improve irrigation facilities. Besides, pisciculture and eco-tourism would get a boost leading to creation of employment opportunities for local people, she added.
Stating that she had written to the Ministry of Jal Shakti for extending support to the Odisha government for execution of the project, Aparajita requested the minister you to issue appropriate instructions to the Water Resources department of the state for placing the project report in the Appraisal Committee and take further steps in this regard. She also submitted a copy of the project report along with the letter.
