Orissa to seek expert help to study changing path of rivers

Bhubaneswar, Aug 23 (UNI) Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today directed the Water Resources Department to seek experts opinions on the changing courses of Rushikulya and Banshadhara rivers.

Presiding over a high level meeting to review the flood situation in Orissa, Mr Patnaik suggested that the department should take necessary steps forthwith on the basis of the recommendation of the experts on the changing paths of the two rivers in the state.

He said special attention should be taken in respect of design and choosing site of the proposed bridges and asked the concerned department to give priority in repairing and restoring the bridges damaged due to the floods.

It was decided the government would go for a concrete road where roads were damaged by the floods. The meeting also discussed the proposal for construction of barrage at Akhuapada and Kochila on Baitarani river as flood control measures.

Official sources said the third phase of floods had affected about 1848 villages in 202 Gram Panchayats and 22 blocks in seven districts.

The meeting decided to extend relief three days more in the flood affected areas in Kendrapada district where the flood situation was still grave with no sign of receding while the situation had improved in Bhadrak, Jajpur, Balasore, Kalahandi and Sundargarh.

The Chief Minister also directed the health department to keep a strong vigil on the possible outbreak of diseases and epidemic and provide safe drinking water to the flood affected people.

UNI