Linking Mahanadi with Rushikulya

Panda demands linking of rivers in Orissa
PTI

Berhampur (Orissa), Aug 11 (PTI) Demanding quick steps to link Rushikulya and Mahanadi rivers in Orissa, former deputy speaker of the state assembly Ram Chandra Panda has asked the Central Water Commission (CWC) to implement the long-standing proposal for the benefit the people of southern region."I have impressed upon the CWC about the benefits of linking the two rivers", he said.After seeing the project report, the CWC had assured him to look into the project, he claimed adding that he had submitted a memorandum to the CWC in this regard.The connectivity between Mahanadi and Rushikulya and construction of a barrage near Dasapalla would not only solve the perennial drinking water crisis of Berhampur town but would also help the farmers in Ganjam district by creating additional irrigation facilities, the BJP leader said.Panda, chairman of Rushikulya Banchao Manch (RBM), the outfit spearheading an agitation in support of linking the two rivers with River Bansadhara as well, said state government had promised to implant the project, but later abandoned it.Major portion of Rushikulya flows through Ganjam district and the Mahanadi through Cuttack district. River Vansadhara flows in Gajapati and Rayagada districts.Connecting the three rivers would also solve the frequent floods in river Vansadhara in Rayagada and Gajapati districts, he said.Stating that he had been demanding connectivity between Rushikulya and Mahanadi since 2000, Panda said the then prime minister Atal Behari Bajpayee had appreciated the proposal when he was apprised about it. Panda had made a detailed project report through a retired chief engineer of irrigation department.