BALANGIR:Balangir MLA and Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra has demanded a fund of Rs 100 crore from the Centre and the State Government for renovation of traditional water bodies in the district.
In a letter to Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Uma Bharati, Mishra sought funds for renovation of around 2,000 water bodies in the district including 16 ponds in Balangir town.
Speaking to mediapersons here on Monday, Mishra alleged that the district is facing acute water scarcity every year due to neglect of the water harvesting structures that once catered to the people’s needs round-the-year. People of the district depend on traditional water bodies which are called Bandh, Sagar, Kataa and Munda for their daily needs and irrigation purpose. Over the years, the water bodies were exploited and encroached for all purposes leading to their pollution and affecting water holding capacity, the Leader of Opposition added.
Now, the water of none of the ponds is suitable for human consumption. Currently, the district has only three per cent assured irrigation potential. After renovating the water bodies, the water scarcity problem of the district can be solved to a great extent, he claimed.
Mishra also urged the State Government to initiate measures to revamp traditional water bodies in the district.