Plan to revive water body at Burla

A water body, developed during construction of the Hirakud Dam at Burla 70 years ago, will soon be revived, an official said.

The water body, which was developed near Gopabandhu Chowk at Burla under the city limits to provide water to the workers engaged in construction of the dam, will be revived by the Sambalpur Development Authority (SDA), an official said.

Hirakud Dam was the first major multipurpose river valley project that was constructed after the country's Independence.

Spread across 2.5 acre, the water body belongs to the Department of Water Resources and is now in a state of neglect.

Besides desiltation and strengthening of its embankment, several beautification works will be carried out around the water body to attract visitors, SDA Chairman, Bijay Mohanty, said.

Pathways and concrete benches will be built and decorative lights will be installed.

The area will be developed into a beautiful recreational spot and the water of the tank will be made fit for human use.

Mohanty said the Water Resources Department has been requested to renovate and revive the water body.

While the Water Resources department has already given its no objection, a formal letter is awaited and once it is received, the SDA will begin the work.

Initially it has been decided to spend Rs 50 lakh for the revival work and additional fund will be provided for the project if necessary, he said.

Known as the educational hub of west Odisha, Burla is home to Sambalpur University, Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) and Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT).

The water body and its surrounding areas will emerge as an ideal place for students, faculty members and residents of Burla to spend their leisure time, Mohanty said.