MAHANADI RIVERFRONT 

Sambalpur, March 26: The much-hyped riverfront development at Ayodhya Sarovar, which was built after constructing a dam on the Mahanadi, is stuck apparently because of lack of funds.

Though the foundation stone for the project was laid in January 2014, work on the project, which the water resource department was supposed to execute, is yet to begin.

A platform of 200 metres long and 30 metres wide has been proposed to be built on the Mahanadi river at Ayodhya Sarovar as part of the project. The platform is supposed to be built two feet above the water level of the sarovar. There is also a proposal to compliment the platform with sitting arrangements and decorative lights. Visitors will be able to walk down the platform and enjoy beautiful views of the river.

"We were happy with the proposal to develop Ayodhya Sarovar. But nothing seems to be happening," said local resident Siddharth Meher.

"Hundreds of people regularly go to the ring road along the Mahanadi river for evening and morning walks. It is one of the favourite hangout zones in the city. Therefore, once the proposal materialises, the visitors will be able to spend quality time along the ring road," said another local resident, Omkar Nath.

Executive engineer of the water resource department S. Behera said: "The Odisha Water Supply and Sewerage Board had agreed to provide Rs 4.34 crore for the riverfront development at Ayodhya Sarovar. We had been planning to execute a part of the project with this fund. But, they changed their plan."

"However, we have submitted the detailed project report to the government. The estimated budget of the project is Rs 18 crore. The work on the project will begin after the government releases the funds," he said.