Sambalpur, March 13: The Odisha Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (OUIDF) has sanctioned funds to renovate seven water bodies here.

Deputy commissioner of the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation Sudhansu Bhoi said tenders for renovating the tanks were floated recently.

"The work order will be issued to selected firms after the tenders are finalised. Renovation of the water bodies would commence immediately after we shortlist the bidders," said Bhoi.

The seven water bodies that will undergo a makeover are - Sakhipara, Deul tank at Fatak, a water body along Dhama Road, Juda pond at Modipara, Dani at Kumbharpara, Hagri at Motijharan and a tank at Dhanupali.

The seven water bodies will be desilted before beautification. Pathways will be constructed on the embankments and decorative lights will also be installed near the seven water bodies. After renovation, people will not be allowed to take bath or wash clothes in the water bodies. The municipal corporation will set up bathroom complexes will near the tanks to ensure that the local people get a proper place to take bath and wash clothes and that the water bodies are kept clean. Water will be drawn to the bathroom complexes from the water bodies.

Around Rs 4.28 crore will be spent on the renovation. The municipal corporation will contribute 10 per cent, while the OUIDF will provide the remaining 90 per cent of the estimated budget. The OUIDF will give the 30 per cent of the total funds as grant and 60 per cent as loan to the municipal corporation.

Local residents welcomed the decision of the civic body to renovate the tanks. "The municipal corporation should start the renovation at the earliest and complete the work before the summer," said Gautam Panda, a local resident.

"There was a time when the tanks were the only source of water for the residents of the town. The water of some of the tanks was even being used for drinking purposes. However, the water bodies got polluted due to civic apathy," said Sanket Kumar Pradhan, another local resident.

"Several water bodies had also dried up over the past few years. I am happy to learn that the seven water bodies will get a new lease of life. The local people will also find attractive spots to spend their leisure hours once the renovation is complete," said Pradhan.