Post News Network
Dhamnagar/Chandbali, August 2: Floodwaters have receded in most parts of Chandbali and Dhamnagar blocks in Bhadrak district, but the problem of water-logging has made things worse for residents of 15 villages under Dhamnagar block where large tracts of farmlands have also been affected.
Floodwaters have remained stagnant at many places in the absence of proper outlet systems in major roads. Usually floodwaters drain out of the flood-hit places in the lower catchment areas. But the problem has compounded as roads have been built sans proper water passages. The roads have become stumbling blocks for floodwaters, locals said, adding earlier it would hardly take 24 to 48 hours for floodwaters to drain out, but that is not happening now.
A stretch of Bhadrak-Akhandalamani road from Baharbila-Sundarasahi Chhak to Gopalbabu Chhak in Dhusuri panchayat is a case in point. The road has been heightened, but three culverts have not been renovated accordingly to facilitate water passage, locals said.
The villages facing water-logging problem included Sundarasahi, Nayaksahi, Majhisahi, Sasan, Jenasahi, Swain Sahi, Brahmanipal, Basashi, Dakasahi, Tiran Pal, Kalikasahi, Thakurpatana and Jagulaisahi. People of these areas had earlier apprised the authorities of the problem, but no measures had been taken, though promises were made to build three culverts on the stretch.
Deputy executive engineer of irrigation department Pratap Kumar Mohanty said they got to know about the problem towards end of last year and steps had been taken. The e-tenders for the culverts were floated and construct work will be taken up after rainy season, he added.
Reports from Chandbali said large tracts of agriculture land in 12 panchayats still remained submerged under floodwaters. Sources said 7,768 hectares of paddy fields are affected by water-logging. Farmers apprehend that if the problem persists, their crops will rot.