Canal wall collapses, poor quality work alleged

RAYAGADA: An under-construction wall of the canal linking Siltiguda reservoir in Rayagada block collapsed two days back.

The canal wall, with a height of around two feet and length of 150 metres, caved in allegedly due to poor quality of work.

The construction work on the canal project, estimated at `15.27 lakh, began from June 17 and was supposed to be completed by August.

Rayagada Zilla Parishad member P Gouri Sankar alleged that as per technical norm, the berth (bed) of the canal should be six inches. However, it has been found that the berth is much lower than the fixed norm. Moreover, though he had complained about the substandard work to officials of Minor Irrigation department, it yielded no result.

Junior Engineer Sunita Gouda said the wall collapsed due to heavy rains. “We are enquiring into the incident. If it is found that the work is of poor quality, disciplinary action will be taken against the person concerned,” Sunita added.

Festivity begins

Jeypore: The five-day Dussera celebration began in Jeypore on Tuesday. Devotees thronged Devi temple in Jeypore, Koraput and Boipariguda on the  day. Puja committees of Jeypore are preparing to welcome ‘lathis’ (bamboo sticks), considered images of Goddess Durga, that participate in the royal Dussera celebrations here. This year, 82 lathis will participate.