BeMC unveils machine to clear weed from water bodies

Berhampur: The Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) on Wednesday introduced an advanced amphibian weed harvester to clean water bodies under its area. Berhampur MP Chandra Sekhar Sahu inaugurated the machine at Bedha bandh (pond). Local MLA Bikram Panda, BeMC mayor Sanghamitra Dalai, BeMC commissioner J Sonal and several corporators were present.The BeMC has procured the machine for Rs 3.20 crore to clean its water bodies. “Such a machine was earlier bought by the Chilika Development Authority (CDA),” said an officer.“Not only the BeMC, but also other urban local bodies in Ganjam and its adjoining districts can use the machine to clean the weeds. The government has undertaken a massive programme to rejuvenate water bodies across the state,” said Sahu.“Though de-weeding was taken up regularly in Berhampur over the years, it was done manually. Now with the machine, the water bodies would be cleaned regularly. The BeMC will also earn some revenue by giving it on rent to other organizations,” said Panda.“The BeMC has taken up development and rejuvenation of Bedha bandh at a cost of Rs 29.20 crore. The machine will also be utilised for other water bodies in a phased manner,” the mayor said. “Due to its width of just 2 m and length of 5 m, it can enter any small nullah or canal and can navigate with ease to perform its work. The machine can be used for work like cutting and collecting both floating and submerged weeds, underwater root shredding, dredging, desilting, piling, skimming,” Sonal said.“Two experts of the manufacturing company will be in Berhampur for six months to impart training on its use to some employees of the civic body,” said the BeMC commissioner.