National Green Tribunal directs to revive Sukapaika river in Odisha, in next six months

Sukapaika River became dead following closure of its mouth in 1950s.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Odisha government to revive a dead river in next six months by earmarking dedicated fund for the purpose.

It was alleged that the river Sukapaika (a branch of river Mahanadi) in Cuttack district became dead after its mouth was closed restricting its free flow in 1950s. The entire river bed was converted into a dumping ground for garbage and solid and liquid waste. Seven petitioners had moved the tribunal seeking its revival.

In his affidavit filed last year, Odisha’s Chief Engineer (Drainage) said Sukapaika River, a dead river, originates from Mahanadi River, having its mouth at Ayatpur.

“It traverses a length of 27.50KM and then falls at Bankala in the same Mahanadi River. It covers three blocks such as Cuttack Sadar, Raghunathpur and Nichintakoili of Cuttack. The mouth of the river was closed during the year 1950 for development of Taladanda Canal System and for flood protection in the delta of Sukapaika,” the affidavit said.

The decision was apparently taken to close the mouth of river Sukapaika as it would not create any water crisis because the area is covered with many waterbodies and tanks having sufficient ground water reserve.

Subsequently, people started residing in the nearby areas and encroaching upon the river at many places thereby obstructing storage and free passage of water to its tail end.

However, a public hearing was held at Kishannagar on January 18, 2020 to reopen the mouth. The project was approved by the 133rd State Technical Advisory Committee of Flood Control Board for ₹44.04 crores on April 29, 2021.