Gajapati

Irrigation Tanks Made By Gajapati’s Royal Family Fail To Withstand Test Of Time

By
Sunil Patnaik

Berhampur: Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati of Paralakhemundi, regarded as the architect of the independent state of Orissa and also its first Prime Minister had carried out a slew of welfare measures in his lifetime. Among them was the construction of as many as 1281 large and small irrigation tanks in Paralakhemundi taluk in Gajapati district.

Sadly, most of these water bodies have been neglected over the years.

Among the larger ones are Rama Sagar and Sita Sagar near Paralakhemundi; Brundaban Sagar near Upalada; Krushna Sagar near Gopili and Chaitanya Sagar to the north-west of Paralakhemundi. Other notable tanks of the region are Radha Sagar and Gajapati Sagar. Nalinee Krushna Sagar is another tank constructed by Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati.

These ‘sagars’ not only catered to the basic agricultural needs during the hot summer months but were also the main drinking water source for the residents of Paralakhemundi town and the neighbouring regions. These irrigation tanks were built in a manner that they had perennial feeder sources from hills streams, which never dried up even during the summer months. As a result, the tanks supplied water throughout the year not only to the farmers but the local residents too.

However, years of neglect have resulted in the weakening of the banks. The tanks have developed breaches. When they become silted up and their depth is proportionately reduced, farmers from the nearby areas encroach and convert them into paddy fields, defeating the very purpose of their existence.

Sunil Patnaik

Recent Posts

After Breakup, Malaika Arora’s Relationship Status Is ‘Hehehe’

Mumbai: After beau Arjun Kapoor declared publicly that he is not dating anyone right now,…

November 25, 2024

Amid Aishwarya & Abhishek’s Divorce Rumours, Shweta Gifts Flowers To Ash’s Sister-In-Law

Mumbai: Even though Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan have maintained a dignified silence over their…

November 25, 2024

Siddhant Das To Step Down As Chairman Of Odisha Real Estate Regulatory Authority

Bhubaneswar: Siddhant Das has sought to step down as Chairman of Odisha Real Estate Regulatory…

November 25, 2024

ISL: Odisha FC Hammer Hyderabad 6-0, Biggest Win Of The Season

Hyderabad: Odisha FC went on a scoring spree at the Gachibowli Stadium as they humbled hosts…

November 25, 2024

Anurag Kashyap’s ‘Debut’ Film ‘Paanch’ To Be Released After 22 Years!

Mumbai: Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap’s directorial debut ‘Paanch’ is finally going to see the light of…

November 25, 2024

Taapsee Pannu Wants To Work With Big Heroes For This Reason

Mumbai: Actress Taapsee Pannu, who has shared screen space with very few A-listers, has now…

November 25, 2024

Vigilance Arrests Forester & ‘Gaon Sathi’ For Misappropriation Of Rs 10 Lakh Govt Funds In Odisha’s Koraput

Bhubaneswar: Vigilance has arrested a Forester and a Gaon Sathi (village mate) for alleged misappropriation…

November 25, 2024

IPL Auction: Vaibhav Suryavanshi Becomes A Crorepati At 13! Bhuvi Bags Rs 10.75 Cr

Mumbai: Ten days ago, Vaibhav Suryavanshi made headlines after becoming the youngest cricketer to make…

November 25, 2024