Local residents and members of Gangua Bachao Andolan demand demolition of the remaining portion of the illegal bridge and road constructed by a real-estate developer across Gangua nullah. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 9: Members of the Gangua Bachao Andolan (GBA) have threatened to intensify their agitation unless the encroachment across Gangua nullah is removed completely.

Alleging that the water resources department had left mid-way without completing the demolition of the illegal structure erected by the builder, GBA members at a meeting convened at Gangotri Nagar said: “Both the road and the bridge were built in clear violation of the engineering plan okayed by the water resources department. But the silence of the officials concerned after demolition of one portion has caused concern. The illegal structure had caused flood threats in the nearby areas.”

The Orissa Government initiated steps to remove encroachment on Gangua nullah at Nuagaon near NH-203 when local residents protested against the move and threatened a road blockade.

Senior officials of the department also admitted that the plan which got an approval in the 90s had violated the original permission. On November 2, the state government had ordered demolition of the structure.

The structure also violated the Orissa Development Authority Act, 1982, and the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010, as it was being constructed near historical site Sisupalgarh.

Sangram Keshari Routray, a GBA member, said: “Despite statements by senior officials of the water resources department, a major part of the illegal structure blocks Gangua. In case of a flood, the areas opposite the bridge will be inundated and many portions in the low-lying areas will be affected. If the authorities fail to keep their promise then there will be more resistance from our organisation.’’

A senior water resources department official, who did not want to be quoted, said: “The department has executed the demolition process in areas where it had blocked the course of the water body as it took the U turn. However, the other portion of the land belongs to a village forest and national highway. So, other authorities concerned should come forward and do their work.’’

Another GBA member Surya Dash said: “While nine out of 10 natural drainage channels are bringing rain water to Gangua, so when the urban flooding has caused concern with the local civic body and the state government, the illegal construction across Gangua near Nuagaon should be demolished completely and there should be a proper co-ordination by the water resources department.’’

“The water resources department findings have already proven that there was a blatant violation of the engineering guidelines by the real-estate developer concerned. The authorities have assured us that the illegal structure will be demolished. We will pursue our cause so that the entire area does not suffer from man-made flood,’’ added local MLA Ashok Panda.