Kotpad:April. 28: A preparatory meeting for the restoration of the historic Damayanti Sagar, popularly known as the “Ganga of Kotpad,” was held at the conference hall of the local NAC office.
Although discussions on the restoration of Damayanti Sagar have been held several times in the past, no concrete work has been carried out so far. Even during the previous government, steps were announced, but they remained limited to estimates and paperwork. Despite continuous demands from local residents, the project did not move forward and largely remained part of election promises. It is also alleged that more than ₹4 crore was wasted earlier without meaningful progress.
However, with the formation of the new government, hopes have been revived, and the restoration process is now being initiated.
As per the directions of the District Collector, the meeting was organized by the Kotpad NAC to gather opinions from local residents and intellectuals. The meeting was chaired by NAC Executive Officer Kamalesh Mohanty.
Among those present were MLA Rupu Bhatra, MP representative Rameshwar Jena, Binayak Acharya, social worker Ganesh Chandra Panda, Bar Association President Mani Prasad Patnaik, senior advocate Pankaj Patra, Senior Citizens’ Forum President Ashok Patnaik, along with ward members from 13 wards and several prominent citizens.
Participants emphasized the need to:
Reclaim encroached land of Damayanti Sagar
Remove accumulated silt from the water body
Beautify the surrounding area
MLA Rupu Bhatra assured that after the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), effective steps will be taken for the restoration of the Sagar.
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