Is the Rushikulya River Facing an Ecological Emergency? Residents Sound the Alarm!

Ecological Concerns Surround Rushikulya River

Chhatrapur: The Rushikulya river, a crucial water source for Ganjam district, is reportedly undergoing an ecological crisis. Local residents have expressed alarm over the increasing salinity of the river water, which is supplied through various large-scale drinking water projects.

Community members claim that tidal forces from the ocean are pushing saltwater upstream, contaminating the river's freshwater supply. They also pointed out that blockages at the river's mouth have hindered proper water flow, allowing saline water to infiltrate the soil and taint the groundwater.

Ajit Pradhan, the Executive Engineer from the state's Water Resources Department, confirmed that two scientists from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in New Delhi recently assessed the coastal areas of Ganjam and validated the reports of salinity intrusion in the Rushikulya river.

A comprehensive report from these experts is expected soon and will be forwarded to the state government. The scientists were invited by the Water Resources Department to investigate coastal erosion in areas like Podampeta and Arjyapalli.

Their observations indicated that excessive sand mining with heavy machinery has deepened the riverbed, creating pathways for seawater to infiltrate underground aquifers, making the water unsuitable for consumption.

Experts caution that the situation may deteriorate further, jeopardizing the Rs 183 crore mega drinking water initiative reliant on this river. However, there is optimism that the forthcoming monsoon season could bring fresh water to the river, potentially reducing its salinity.

Currently, drinking water is provided to over 283,000 individuals across 60 villages in Ganjam block and 92 villages in Krushnaprasad block in Puri district through pipelines linked to intake wells near Barada and the Rushikulya river.

Despite this, numerous villagers in three communities within Jainchapur panchayat are reportedly using saline water from the pipeline.

Residents have submitted a formal request to the block development officer (BDO) in Ganjam, demanding urgent measures to address the crisis.

Previously, the state Forest Department had collaborated with a Delhi-based organization, which included national and international experts, to conduct a survey on coastal erosion.

Although a detailed report was presented to the state government outlining the damage to the coastline and suggesting possible solutions, little action has been taken on their recommendations, according to sources.