Bhubaneswar, Sept 1: Illegal encroachment along the riverbeds of the Kuakhai and Kushabhadra rivers in Balianta and Balipatna areas on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar has raised concerns over the city’s future flood vulnerability.
According to reports, land mafias and builders are allegedly occupying government-owned riverbank and riverbed land by constructing boundary walls, buildings and other structures. In several places, pipes and wire fencing have reportedly been used to claim large stretches of riverbed land.
The alleged encroachment has been reported from several locations, including areas near Mahatma Setu, Kushabhadra River, Bhubanpur siphon, Indrapal, Rangabazar, Kantagotha, Bainchua, Patharakota, Rathijema, Tankapani Bazaar and Pratapasasan panchayat.
Apart from encroachment, allegations have also surfaced of illegal soil excavation and the operation of unauthorised brick kilns along the riverbeds. Soil is allegedly being excavated during the night and transported using heavy vehicles, including Hyva trucks and tractors.
Residents and environmentalists fear that continued encroachment could narrow the natural drainage channels and obstruct the free flow of river water. This, they say, could increase the risk of flooding in low-lying areas around Bhubaneswar during periods of heavy rainfall.
Balianta Tehsildar Lilan Prasad Sahu said some encroachments in areas such as Balakati, Rangabazar and Kantagotha have already been removed. He added that action would be taken promptly if specific encroachments are identified and reported by the Water Resources Department.
Balipatna Canal Sub-Division Assistant Engineer Jalandhar Sathua also said that encroachments are being removed whenever complaints are received.
However, environmentalists and local intellectuals have urged the authorities to go beyond complaint-based action and undertake regular monitoring of the riverbeds. They stressed that protecting the natural course of the rivers is essential to prevent a major waterlogging or flood crisis in the future.
With rapid construction and alleged encroachment continuing along the Kuakhai and Kushabhadra river systems, the need for stricter enforcement and long-term protection of the riverbeds has become increasingly important
