Sambalpur, Dec, 10: A total of 10 tenders have been submitted for the much-awaited barrage to be constructed near Ayodhya Sarobar on the Mahanadi River in Sambalpur. The tender papers have already been opened. In the first stage, technical evaluation of the tender documents is underway. After the technical evaluation is completed, they will be forwarded for financial evaluation.
It is expected that the entire process will take at least one and a half months. After all formalities are completed, the construction work will commence in 2026, informed Engineer Sushil Behera, Director of the Upper Mahanadi Basin and Chief Engineer.
Many years ago, an anicut was constructed near Ayodhya Sarobar on the Mahanadi in Sambalpur. As the anicut has weakened over time, there has been a long-standing demand for its reconstruction. During the BJD government, former Sambalpur MLA Raseshwari Panigrahi had also raised the demand for the construction of a barrage. During the last election, the BJP too had promised to take up this project.
After coming to power in the state, the BJP has taken steps to fulfill its promise. It is said that the construction of the barrage near Ayodhya Sarobar will not only improve drinking water supply but also enhance the beauty of the city and attract tourists.
On the other hand, the riverfront development project from Mandalai to Chaunrapur Bridge has also been initiated. The state government has approved ₹240 crore for this project, out of which ₹160 crore was released in November as part of the first phase. A Bengaluru-based agency is reported to have secured the tender for this project.