Odisha Government Embarks on Ambitious Gangua Nullah Transformation
The Odisha government has launched an ambitious initiative to revitalize Bhubaneswar's Gangua Nullah, drawing inspiration from the highly successful rejuvenation of Jaipur's Amanishah Nullah. Following a comprehensive study visit to the Pink City, state officials are preparing to implement similar strategies that transformed a polluted watercourse into a landscaped urban wetland.
Learning from Jaipur's Success Story
Officials from the water resources department recently conducted a detailed review meeting to analyze the lessons from Jaipur's Dravyavati river project. The Rs 1,676 crore initiative in Jaipur, executed under the Swiss Challenge method, demonstrated remarkable results through integrated approaches including sewerage interception, five Sewage Treatment Plants with 170 MLD capacity, and extensive flood management infrastructure.
"Jaipur's model shows what strong planning and integrated execution can achieve," confirmed an official from the water resources department. "A team of our engineers visited Jaipur to understand the model thoroughly. We will be incorporating the best practices in Gangua."
Comprehensive Plan for Gangua Nullah
The revival strategy for Gangua Nullah includes treating 106 MLD of sewage through Sewage Treatment Plants and waste stabilization ponds. The plan also focuses on improving existing sewerage networks and ensuring proper household connections to prevent further pollution of the water channel.
City Mayor Sulochana Das highlighted the project's potential, noting that Gangua Nullah could be transformed into an eco-friendly urban wetland featuring walkways, cycle tracks, and parks. However, she acknowledged significant challenges, stating, "Gangua will have a higher flood magnitude to manage, and land acquisition will be a major hurdle, but plans are being made to overcome these challenges. We have also engaged experts from IIT Roorkee to assist us."
Addressing Current Infrastructure Gaps
Officials emphasized the urgent need to enhance sewage treatment capabilities. "We must squeeze timelines for sewage treatment and ensure STPs operate at full capacity," the official explained. "Currently, there exists one STP, but the facility is not enough to treat the amount of wastewater Gangua is receiving."
The water resources department has initiated the preparation of a draft detailed project report and a request for proposal. A follow-up meeting with the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), and other stakeholders will finalize the comprehensive action plan.
Cultural Significance and Urban Transformation
Urban planner Dipu Nanda emphasized the cultural importance of the project, noting that "Gangua is associated with the culturally rich history of Bhubaneswar. Unfortunately, the water channel is facing degradation now. Officials should focus on a comprehensive and sustained rejuvenation plan for Gangua."
If successfully implemented, the Gangua Nullah rejuvenation project promises to address multiple urban challenges including flooding and pollution while creating valuable public spaces. This initiative marks a significant step in Bhubaneswar's ongoing urban transformation, potentially setting a new benchmark for ecological restoration projects in Eastern India.
