By PRAHALLAD SAHU

Berhampur: Torrential rain and devastating floods triggered by Cyclone Arnab have left a trail of destruction across Ganjam district, with the Rushikulya River, the region’s lifeline, bearing the brunt of the deluge. Among the worst-hit structures is the 135-year-old Janibilianicut, a crucial source of drinking water for Berhampur and irrigation for thousands of hectares of farmland.

The floodwaters washed away 39 of the anicut's 81 gates, severely damaging its capacity to store and regulate river water. With much of the structure breached, water is now flowing largely unchecked toward the sea, raising concerns about availability for agriculture and urban consumption in the months ahead.

Built in 1891 during the British era, the Janibilianicut was originally constructed to support irrigation in Ganjam. Over the years, it also became a vital source of drinking water for Berhampur, making it an indispensable part of the district's water infrastructure.

Water from the Sorada Dam and the Ghodahada river feeds the Rushikulya system, with the Janibili structure serving as a key point for storing and regulating the flow. An intake well at the site supplies water to Berhampur, while the system supports irrigation across nearly 60,000 hectares of agricultural land.

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The damage has prompted an immediate effort to prevent disruption to the city's drinking water supply. Around 250 labourers were mobilised to construct a temporary cofferdam within 36 hours.

Though the arrangement has helped retain and divert some water, it cannot match the storage capacity of the original anicut. For now, water is being supplied to the Janibili drinking water project through Bethua Nala. Officials estimate that the available water can sustain Berhampur’s requirements for about a month, making the speedy restoration of the damaged structure critical.

WATCO General Manager BikashPadhi said drinking water supply to Berhampur had returned to normal by Tuesday evening following the construction of the temporary barrier. However, he cautioned that the arrangement might not be adequate in the longer term. Steps are being taken to expedite the construction of a barrage at the site, he added.

The damage has also affected irrigation. Devendra Pradhan, assistant executive engineer of the Janibili project, said water was being diverted to meet Berhampur’s drinking water needs, but releases into the irrigation canals had been suspended. Several canals have also suffered breaches, he said, adding that efforts were under way to restore them and resume water supply ahead of the next kharif season.Meanwhile, a new anicut is already under construction downstream of the old Janibili structure at an estimated cost of Rs 84 crore. The proposed structure will have six sluice gates and seven barrage gates. Authorities are now seeking to accelerate the work in view of the extensive damage to the existing facility.