BERHAMPUR: Even as monsoon is in full swing, the low pressure induced rains for the past couple of days have spelt trouble in Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada districts. While many major roads remain submerged cutting off villages from mainland, damage to houses and embankments apart, the rising water level in Vansadhara river has been a cause of concern.
Following heavy downpour at catchment areas in Kalahandi and the resultant rise in the water level of Vansadhara, the water level in the river in Gunupur, Rayagada was at 82.97 meter against the danger level of 84 mts. By Tuesday evening, the level was likely to rise upto 83.25 meter, as per agriculture control room sources.
At Kashinagar in Gajapati district, the control room apprehended water level to cross danger level by late Tuesday. Against the danger level of 54.60 mt, the water in the river stood at 54.10 mt, which is likely to reach 54.75 mt anytime, sources added.
In Gajapati, Harabhangi river was in spate leading to marooning of roads and farm lands. Four villages Gunduriguda, Dhanupanka, Nuasahi and Badheipur in Mohona block have been cut-off as over three feet water is reportedly flowing on the only connecting road. Sources said, a patient of Badheipur village reportedly died on Monday as he could not be taken to the hospital.
Following incessant rainfall, 14 thatched houses in Padmapur tehsil in Rayagada district have collapsed. Communication between Podamara-Kumhikota has also been snapped as the temporary bridge over river Jhanjabati got washed away on Monday.
Besides, reports of landslides are coming in from Nuagada and Gumma blocks in Gajapati damaging houses and canal embankments in Khajuripada panchayat.Similarly, rivers in Ganjam district are also in spate with water of Lohorakhandi and Badanadi flooding vast tracts under Bhanjanagar sub-division.
Amid the misery in the rural areas, the urban areas of Ganjam district have also been bearing the brunt of torrential rains. Despite tall claims, Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) has not been to clear water from most areas resulting in a deluge of sorts. Even a substantial area of the BeMC campus remained water logged for several hours. The areas which have been cleared of waterlogging are replete with potholes.With the IMD marking Ganjam in the red zone, the district administration sources said, it is prepared to face any eventuality.
Disappointed farmers now hopeful
The much-awaited rain has brought with it hope for the farmers of Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada and Kandhamal districts. Though most cultivable lands remained inundated triggering fear of damage to seedlings, the clear skies in many areas on Tuesday saw many busy releasing water from fields and starting routine works.
“Due to harsh summer, the tilling process was hampered and a good amount of paddy seeds could not germinate. But the rains proved a boon for the farmers of the district,” stated farmer leader Simanchal Nahak. He urged the administration to make sure supply of fertiliser for farmers on time.Collector Dibyajyoti Parida said necessary directions had been issued earlier to agriculture departent. “We are closely monitoring the situation,” he added.