Bhubaneswar: Odisha Government is setting Bridge-cum-Check Dams in a big way to recharge ground water and rejuvenate eco-system.
Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra reviewed progress made so far in this environment friendly endeavor here on Monday at Lok Seva Bhawan.
Reviewing the progress made so far, Chief Secretary Mr.Mahapatra said, “Bridge cum Check-Dams, while raising surface water level in the river beds will significantly help in ground water recharge and rejuvenation of eco-system”.
He added, “It is a cost effective technology having multiple micro level outcomes. The water conserved through this method could be utilized for irrigation on both sides of the river for growing vegetables and cash crops.
The water could also be used for drinking water projects”. It would also help in creating green environment and checking soil erosion. The raised water level could be effectively used for pisci-culture through self help groups.
Development Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Jena said that the bridge cum check-dams also allowed usual flow of water in the river/creek where it was constructed as the water was held only up to 1.5 mt height. Sri Jena added, “The Technology proved effective and helpful in context of the geo-climatic conditions of Odisha”.
Review showed that 45 such check dams were completed within two months under different bridges in various districts. Out of this 31 check dams were completed by the Department of Works and 14 were completed by the department of Rural Development.
Besides, 480 bridges were identified by both the departments where One 1.5 Meter height check dams could yield around 1000 cubic meter. For example, check-dam under a thirty meter bridge could yield 30,000 cubic meter of water at a particular point of time.
Chief Secretary directed both the departments to complete around 300 bridges during the current financial year. It was estimated that around Rs. 413.81 cr would be invested for construction of these bridges. He asked Department of Water Resources and Directorate of Horticulture to motivate and advise the farmers having land on both sides of the river/creek (where such constructions were completed) for raising the vegetables and cash crops.
