Sambalpur: When will Sambalpur be Free from Artificial Floods? Trapped in Rainwater Woes Despite Hirakud Gate Closure
Sambalpur: Residents in Sambalpur are dealing with the issue of artificial floods, which have become a constant companion. This issue has been troubling residents for decades, much like a recurring nightmare. Every time there is a heavy rain, the city experiences flood-like conditions. Although the flood caused by the simultaneous opening of more than 40 gates of the Hirakud dam is frequently blamed on the Mahanadi river’s backwaters, residents continue to experience waterlogging even when all gates are closed due to low reservoir water levels. The government appears to have no solution to this ongoing issue. Despite the construction of two pumping stations costing hundreds of crores, they have proven ineffective in draining rainwater.
The officials themselves are citing uncontrolled and unplanned urbanization, as well as illegal encroachment on all drainage systems, as the primary causes of the situation. Regardless of the reasons, the situation has gotten worse every year.
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The artificial flood problem in Sambalpur is not a new one; it has existed for a long time. Instead of finding a solution, the situation has gotten worse each year. The main issue is that all of the city’s drains are blocked due to illegal encroachment. Even major drainage systems such as Haradjor, Tengananala, and Dhobijor have been encroached upon, with large buildings being built in low-lying areas. Furthermore, the SDA (Sambalpur Development Authority) allegedly encourages unplanned urbanization by approving construction in various areas without proper planning, exacerbating the situation.
On the other hand, when more than 40 Hirakud gates are opened at the same time, the city’s ability to drain water quickly deteriorates. Backwaters from Hirakud enter the city, causing a flood-like situation. However, the plan for additional construction at Hirakud to address this has not moved forward.
Despite the fact that two large pumping stations at Binakhadi and Balibandha were built at a cost of nearly one and a half hundred crores, they are still not operational. There was a proposal to replace the diesel pumps at these stations with electric pumps, but it did not proceed.
The officials have acknowledged that uncontrolled construction in low-lying and wetland areas is to blame for the city’s waterlogging. They previously advocated for a complete ban on construction in these areas, but no concrete steps have been taken.
