Balasore: Budhabalange river passing through Balasore has been changing its course every year, causing erosion of its banks every monsoon.
Reports said people of Puruna Balasore, Patrapada and some other riparian pockets live in fear as they have to face continuous erosion of the river banks over years. Due to changing course of the river, over 10 to 15 houses in the area have vanished in the river while over 2,500 families have to face a flood fury during the rainy season.
People have long been demanding high level spurs and stone packing of embankments as a deterrent against the advancing river.
A team of officials and ex-MP Rabindra Jena visited the area recently. They have submitted a proposal of Rs 5.83 crore for stone packing of 740-metre stretch and three high-level spurs.
Minister of Panchayatiraj and drinking water department Pratap Jena also took stock of the area.
The team laid stress on strengthening the right side river embankment along which scores of houses and a vast stretch of farmland get flooded during the monsoon. People have to bear the brunt of flood devastation.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has been apprised of the long-standing demand of people in the area.
As per the plan, stones will be laid on a 40 metre stretch inside the river while three high level concrete spurs will be built to mitigate the intensity of the churning water currents during floods.
It was learnt that Rs 5.83 core will be granted in the first phase.
PNN