Sambalpur: Budharaja’s WWII Heritage Well-Buried Allegations Prompt Chief Secretary’s Attention
Sambalpur: There are allegations that a heritage well from the World War II era near a nursing home in the Budharaja area is being buried, which has sparked a strong public reaction. A complaint regarding this issue has also been lodged with the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC). Upon receiving the complaint, a monitoring team from SMC visited the spot and assessed the situation. Meanwhile, Ranjan Panda, known as Jalpurush (water man), has expressed his grief over this incident and has brought it to the attention of the state’s chief administrative secretary.
According to the allegations, the said well was dug during World War II to provide water supply to government employees. Now, this well is located near a nursing home in the Budharja area. The well has been neglected for a long time. Repeated requests have been made to the municipal authorities in the past to clean and maintain it. However, even now, the SMC authorities are not paying attention. Mr. Panda and local residents have complained that efforts are underway to construct a road for commercial establishments by burying the said well.
In recent times, climate change and water scarcity have become global issues. In such a situation, emphasis has been placed on reviving traditional water sources like wells, tanks, and ponds. The destruction of water resources is considered inhumane and detrimental to society. Mr. Panda has demanded that the Urban Development Department direct the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation to revive the said well. Additionally, he has also demanded to study the condition of three other historical wells in the area. It has also been requested to assess the condition of all wells and water bodies, including open wells, conduct real-time mapping, and prepare a plan for their restoration with the involvement of local people. The issue was brought to the attention of SMC’s Shankar Sahu. After receiving the complaint, a team from SMC visited the site and assessed the situation. Sahu stated that action would be taken after receiving the report.
