The denizens of Brahmapur have reasons to cheer as the 144-year-old Ramalingam tank spread over 8.7 acres in the city which had been facing neglect over last many years will be renovated. According to information available, the renovation and beautification work of the much awaited iconic heritage tank is in final stage with 30 per cent works pending.
However, according to locals, the beautification work of the iconic tank is being carried out at a slow pace which may give rise to both cost escalation and time overrun. Sources said that frequent change in plans, change in contractors, fresh DPR, escalated cost from Rs 8 to Rs 12 crore, collapse of compound walls, ineffective supervision of the BeMC, frequent transfer of BeMC Commissioners are some reasons that caused delay to in the completion of the project.Keeping the public perceptions in mind, BeMC Commissioner Sidheswar Baliram Bonder along with DRDA Project Director Sindhe Dattatraya Bhau Saheb visited the site and reviewed the progress of the work on Wednesday last. The BeMC Commissioner is taking personal interest to complete the project in all respects by December 31, sources said. Notably, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik laid foundation stone of renovation project in 2016 and initially had sanctioned a grant of Rs 8 crore for purpose.