Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 2: Elected panchayat representatives pressed the newly appointed Chief Secretary, Gyanesh Bharti, IAS, on a string of long-pending local development and public-welfare matters, placing particular emphasis on the stalled Korangnallah Dam project that they said has been pending for nearly four decades.
Demand to revive dam project for water security and irrigation
Mr Manojit Halder, Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Harinagar, accompanied by Mr Dilip Kumar Das, Panchayat Samiti Member, and Mr Anil Baroi, Up-Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Swadeshnagar, submitted a detailed representation to the Chief Secretary on 1 September outlining the community's concerns. The PRI delegation said the Korangnallah Dam, despite multiple site visits and surveys by technical agencies over the years, remains unconstructed.
The PRI representatives urged immediate administrative action, arguing the project would provide a permanent drinking-water solution for residents of eight Gram Panchayats stretching from Mayabunder to Swadeshnagar and would also secure irrigation supply for local farmers.
The delegation highlighted that the absence of a reliable water source constrains everyday life in the affected panchayats and limits agricultural productivity, although no fresh timelines or official approvals were reported during the meeting.
Public safety risks from hazardous roadside trees
Mr Anil Baroi brought to the Chief Secretary's attention hazardous overhanging branches and trees along the village road at Shantipur. According to the PRI representatives, a joint inspection involving the Revenue Department, APWD and the Forest Department had been carried out previously, and an Assistant Commissioner had issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to APWD around three years ago for remedial action.
Despite the NOC, the delegation said, no trimming or clearance work has been undertaken. They warned the overhanging branches continue to pose a risk to commuters, especially during storms and adverse weather conditions.
PHC staff quarters in poor condition
Mr Halder also drew attention to the dilapidated state of staff quarters at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Billyground. The representatives noted that while four doctors are presently posted at the centre, the poor condition of accommodation hampers health-service delivery and staff retention; the submission requested repair and maintenance of the quarters.
- Korangnallah Dam: Pending for nearly 40 years; projected benefits — drinking water for eight panchayats and irrigation support for farmers.
- Hazardous roadside trees: Joint inspection done; NOC issued to APWD ~three years ago; no corrective action reported.
- PHC Billyground staff quarters: Reported dilapidation despite four doctors being posted.
Administrative context and next steps
The PRI leaders formally welcomed and honoured the Chief Secretary with a bouquet and a traditional shawl during the meeting, and submitted their written representation for official action. The meeting record as reported did not enumerate specific commitments or timelines from the Chief Secretary's office.
Officials from the departments implicated in the representation — including Public Works (APWD), Revenue, Forest and the Health Department — were cited as having been involved in prior inspections or as the departments responsible for remedial works. The delegation has sought that the administration initiate necessary action without further delay.
| Issue | Current status (as reported by PRI) | Requested action |
|---|---|---|
| Korangnallah Dam | Pending for ~40 years despite surveys and visits | Start construction to ensure drinking water and irrigation |
| Hazardous trees, Shantipur road | Joint inspection done; NOC to APWD ~3 years ago; no action | Trim/clear branches; mitigate risk to commuters |
| PHC Billyground staff quarters | Dilapidated; four doctors posted | Repair and maintain staff accommodation |
The delegation requested that the administration also put in place regular monitoring and maintenance mechanisms, particularly for infrastructure that directly affects public health and safety. They stressed that timely repairs and follow-up inspections would reduce recurring hazards and improve service delivery.
No independent cost estimates, project clearances or technical feasibility updates were provided in the representation as reported. Similarly, there was no mention of whether state or central funds have been earmarked for the Korangnallah Dam or associated works.
Observers of Panchayati Raj affairs said the combined demand — for water security, road safety and health-facility maintenance — reflects long-standing development gaps in several outskirts of the Islands that often require coordinated action across multiple departments.
The Chief Secretary's office had not issued an official response to the representation at the time of reporting.
