Sambalpur March 2: The irrigation department has written to the district administration for acquisition of seven acres of private land to renovate of the Tangna nullah, which is a major drain here.

"Nine acres are needed for the renovation of the nullah. Of that, seven acres is private land. We have moved the district administration for acquisition of the seven acres," said sub-divisional officer of the irrigation department S. Panda.

Official sources said the renovation of Tangna nullah and other city drains would be carried out under Sambalpur Town's drainage improvement plan. The government has sanctioned Rs 15 crore for the project in 2015-16. The irrigation department plans to construct a guard wall and bed lining of Tangana nullah for smooth flow of the drain water under this project after the seven acre land are acquired.

"We have prepared a tentative detailed project report has been prepared for the renovation of the nullah. However, we will prepare the final report after we acquire the seven acres of private land," he said. Residents have also welcomed the proposal. ". The water will pass freely if the drain is renovated. The department should think of removing the encroachments along the drain, too"Residents of Sakhipara, Bahalpara, Padhanpara, Fatak area, Pandit L.N. Lane, Hanuman Colony, Gujrati Colony, Kumbharpara area will breath a sigh of relief during the rains if the proposal is materialised. The authority concerned should take steps to complete the renovation work before the monsoon," said another resident Raj Kishore Baxi.