The recent torrential floods triggered by Cyclone Arnab have left a trail of destruction across Ganjam district, severely crippling its crucial water resources and irrigation infrastructure.
According to Dilip Rout, Engineer-in-Chief of the Water Resources Department, a staggering 170 canals, anicuts, and river embankments have sustained heavy damage, with the Rushikulya River system bearing the brunt.
Describing the disaster as unprecedented, officials noted that continuous heavy rainfall in the Rushikulya basin pushed water levels at Purushottampur far above the danger mark. Overflowing rivers breached embankments and canals at multiple locations. Notably, about 90 meters of the Janibili Anicut collapsed, along with several iron shutter plates. Because this vital structure supplies drinking and irrigation water to Brahmaputra (Berhampur) city and various parts of southern Ganjam, local farmers are deeply anxious. They fear that any delay in restoration could paralyse water supply, threatening both upcoming agricultural seasons and daily drinking water availability.
Initial Losses Exceed Rs 50 Crore
Initial estimates place the infrastructural loss at over Rs 50 crore. Thousands of hectares of agricultural land have been affected due to severe siltation and damage to drainage systems across Digapahandi, Hinjilicut, Sheragada, Sanakhemundi, Purushottampur, and Sorada blocks. Vegetable farming and standing seasonal crops have suffered extensive multi-lakh-rupee damage. In Hinjili block near Chanduli village, approximately 100 meters of the Rushikulya embankment was washed away.
Rapid Restoration and Future Preparedness
Addressing the crisis, the Water Resources Department has announced that repair works will commence within 15 days, with a strict target to complete all restorations in three months. Field engineers have already completed preliminary assessments—inspecting vulnerable points near structures like the Hiradharabati anicut—to deploy necessary machinery and labour.
Concurrently, precautionary measures are underway for the approaching Cyclone Murasu, with authorities proactively regulating water levels in local reservoirs. While relief distribution, electricity restoration, and sanitation drives continue across affected pockets, experts emphasise that rapid infrastructure rehabilitation remains the only long-term solution to safeguard Ganjam’s agrarian economy and secure public safety.
