Bridge at Risk of Submersion Amid Major Irrigation Project

₹7.84 Crore Investment in Question as Environmental Approval Raises Concerns 

Dasapalla: (Reported by Ratnakar Hota): A massive controversy has erupted in Dasapalla, Nayagarh district, over the construction of the Bruttang Bridge, a high-cost project facing the threat of submersion due to the Bruttang Irrigation Project. Despite receiving secondary environmental clearance, serious questions are being raised about how the bridge, built at a cost of ₹7.84 crore, was approved without considering the irrigation project's impact. 

Background of the Issue 

The Bruttang Irrigation Project, one of the largest in Nayagarh district, has now moved into its second phase. With the establishment of the main engineering office in Dasapalla, work is progressing steadily. However, amidst this development, the construction of a high-rise bridge in a flood-prone area has become a focal point of controversy. 

The Rural Development Department recently completed the construction of this bridge, connecting Jamusahi in Kulurukumpa Panchayat with Bidapaju village. But with the irrigation project set to submerge large portions of surrounding land, concerns about the bridge's long-term viability have come to the forefront. 

Bridge at Risk of Submersion 

Residents from the affected areas, including Bidapaju, have voiced serious concerns that the bridge will be rendered useless due to flooding. Approximately 22 villages, 11 of which are expected to be fully submerged by the irrigation project, will be affected. Bidapaju, home to around 30 tribal and Dalit families, is one of the villages facing the greatest risk. Locals rely heavily on the bridge for transportation, especially during monsoons when they are cut off from essential services for up to four months. 

One of the biggest issues raised by residents is the lack of compensation. "We will not give up our land until we receive adequate compensation from the government," villagers have stated, demanding fairness in the displacement process. This has further delayed the government's plans to fully implement the irrigation project. 

Questioning the Approval Process 

Local authorities are now questioning the very foundation of the bridge project. "Who gave the approval to build this bridge before considering the environmental implications?" ask both residents and officials alike. According to local engineers, about 60 feet of water is expected to accumulate at the site once the irrigation project is completed, submerging the newly constructed bridge. 

A senior official from the Bruttang Irrigation Department, Sarath Chandra Sahu, has confirmed that the entire village of Bidapaju is expected to be submerged. "The villagers will certainly be displaced, but building the bridge without prior approval from irrigation authorities is a serious oversight," Sahu said. "Obtaining approval from the Irrigation Department is essential prior to starting such projects. How this was overlooked needs thorough investigation." 

The Rural Development Department, on the other hand, claims it had no prior information regarding the irrigation project before beginning construction. “We were not informed of the environmental impact or the ongoing irrigation project when we started the bridge construction,” stated Srikanth Sahu, an engineer involved in the bridge project. 

Government and Environmental Challenges 

The state and central governments have both shown interest in the Bruttang Irrigation Project, which has already received environmental clearance. However, the clearance and the subsequent bridge construction seem to be at odds with each other, leading to major public outrage. Environmental clearance typically involves a thorough review of all ongoing projects in the area, but in this case, it appears crucial details were overlooked. 

Now, with nearly ₹7.84 crore in government funds already spent on the bridge, experts believe this investment is on the verge of being wasted. The bridge construction has reached its final stages, but with the irrigation project moving forward, the possibility of the bridge going underwater seems almost inevitable. 

A Call for Investigation 

As the controversy grows, there are increasing calls for a full investigation into how approvals for both the irrigation project and the bridge construction were handled. “The situation is highly concerning,” said a local official. “The Rural Development Department must explain how such a costly project was approved without considering the impending irrigation work.” 

Villagers and activists are also calling for immediate action, demanding answers from the government and compensation for those who will be displaced by the irrigation project. At the same time, they are urging authorities to prevent further misuse of public funds in such ill-conceived projects. 

Conclusion 

As the Bruttang Irrigation Project progresses, the fate of the ₹7.84 crore Bruttang Bridge remains uncertain. The situation highlights serious gaps in communication and coordination between departments, leading to potential waste of public resources and the displacement of vulnerable communities. With local tensions rising, the government is under increasing pressure to resolve this issue and ensure that future infrastructure projects do not face the same fate. 

Key Concerns: 

• ₹7.84 crore bridge faces submersion due to the Bruttang Irrigation Project. 
• 22 villages affected, with 11 likely to be fully submerged. 
• Villagers demand proper compensation before displacement. 
• Serious questions raised about the approval process for both the bridge and the irrigation project. 

This case stands as a reminder of the importance of thorough planning and inter-departmental communication in public infrastructure projects. Without these, the risk of financial waste and human suffering becomes alarmingly high.