Sambalpur, Nov. 13: The civic body will revive seven water bodies in the city after the Odihsa Urban Infrastructure Development Fund sanctioned funds for the project.

"We have already received the approval letter. We will hold a meeting in this regard in Bhubaneswar on November 16. The fund for the project will be released soon," said deputy commissioner of Sambalpur Municipal Corporation Sudhansu Bhoi.

The water bodies, which are set to get a new lease of life, are Sakhipara tank, Deul tank at Fatak, a tank along the Dhama road, Juda tank at Modipara, Dani tank at Kumbharpara, Hagri tank at Motijharan and another tank at Dhanupali.

"We will de-silt the water bodies after we receive the fund. We will also construct pathways on the embankment and install decorative lights at the sites," Bhoi said.

"People would not be allowed to bathe or wash their clothes in the water bodies. We will construct bathroom complexes, which would draw water from the water bodies through a motor for people to use. This will help keep the water bodies clean. The estimated budget for the renovation is around Rs 4.28 core. The municipal corporation will contribute 10 per cent of the budget," he said.

There are nearly 94 tanks spread over the municipality's 930.235-acre area. However, most of these tanks are in a shambles. Encroachers have also taken over much of the embankment of the tanks, turning them into sewage points.

"The Odihsa Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (OUIDF) will pay 90 per cent of the total estimated budget. While 30 per cent of the total budget will come as a grant from OUIDF, 60 per cent will come as loan. The municipal corporation will have to repay the loan amount," said Bhoi.

City residents also welcomed the civic body's decision to renovate the seven water bodies.

"There was a time when the water bodies were the only source of water for the residents. Some of the water bodies were even used as a source of drinking water. However, the water bodies have become polluted due to negligence. Several water bodies have also disappeared," said local resident Ranjan Pradhan.

"However, I am really happy that the municipal corporation has now decided to renovate seven water bodies. The people will be benefit from this move," he said.