Rourkela: The Koel weir bridge, which is proposed to come up near Hamirpur here, has received the technical advisory committee's approval.

The proposal has now been sent for administrative approval. A weir is a barrier built across a river to raise the water level in the upstream. They are also used to prevent flooding, control water discharge and keep the river navigable.

Chief engineer and upper Mahanadi basin manager Jyoti Rath said: "The total project costs around Rs 340.08 crore, for which the tendering process will begin within a month after getting the administrative approval."

The cost of the project was finalised only after taking into consideration all technical angles, which included the drawing and requirements.

Earlier, the bridge was supposed to come up at the Koel intake well near Koelnagar. However, the site was shifted 2km down the stream when it was found that a large chunk of private land was required for the project.

"At the present site, this requirement is very minimal. The water-storing capacity will go manifold as the river is very deep near the proposed spot. With a water height of over 2.5 metres, the water bed will extend up to 7km and will be very helpful to all," he said.

He said: "The other benefit of the project is that its initial aim is to supply drinking water, and in the process, irrigation will be added to it. But, it will take some time."

Chief minister Naveen Pattnaik led the foundation stone for the project on July 23, 2013 near Koelnagar.

Speaking on the issue, former MLA and Rourkela Development Authority chairman Sarada Nayak said: "This has got slightly delayed for several factors, but it was never shelved as reported in media. Nothing can stop this all-important project."

He also said: "This year, it got the necessary budgetary approval in the state budget."