Tuesday, November 13, 2007

HC directs Govt to control flood damage at Nuapada

The Pioneer,Nov 13,2007

The Orissa High Court while hearing a writ petition on flood control measures in river Udanti, filed by Tulsiram Jagat and some fellow villagers of Kapasi under Sinapali block in Nuapada district, has directed the State Government to take necessary remedial measures to check the flood damages in these areas within a stipulated six months time.

Every year, flood causes vast damages to these areas and the villagers are adversely affected by way of losing their properties. For many years the flood wreaks havoc for the locals and they become apprehensive of losing their crops and properties.

There is no such concrete and permanent embankment along side the river to check its ferocity. The petitioners have mentioned that the flood water in river Udanti remains uncontrolled in each year and causes sever damages to the life and property of the locals.

In the light of such a traumatic situation for the locals during flood when no action has been taken by the State Government to end the people's woes, the petitioners have prayed for judicial intervention in this case.

The petitioners have made secretary Panchayatiraj Department, secretary Water Resource Department, Chief Engineer, Nuapara District Collector, DRDA Project Director and Executive Engineer of Kalahandi irrigation division party to this case.

In the petition it is mentioned that construction of flood embankment and concrete wall along sides of the river is highly necessary to check flood damages in these areas.

Earlier, the High Court had directed the State Government to give its report in this case. In its report, secretary, Panchayatiraj had mentioned that the Department is planning to construct a spur and a wall along sides the river with an estimated cost of Rs 5.7crore.

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