Baripada: Residents have demanded renovation and protection of the Jarali and Sarali rivulets that are flowing through the municipal area.

They alleged that the rivulets had been converted into mere sewer channels.

Most of the exit lines of the septic tanks are linked to these water bodies. The rivulets also carry solid waste and medical waste generated by domestic and commercial establishments, including restaurants, wedding halls and nursing homes.

"Earlier, people used to draw water from the rivulets for household works. But, now the water bodies are in very bad health as neither the residents nor the civic body care for them. People keep dumping waste into the rivulets, while the administration remains a mute spectator," said resident Bikram Kesari Jena.

"In 2013 floods, the overflowing water from these two rivers caused severe damages to the peripheral areas. If no action is taken to dredge and save the water bodies, they will cause us immense damage again during monsoon," he said.

"The municipality should take action against those who dump waste in the rivers," said councillor of ward No. 9 Biduraj Soren.

Municipality executive officer Subash Mansigh said a dredging work on the rivers was already on progress.