Residents of Bhanjanagar are optimistic about the government's approval for a ring road project along the Loharakhandi River, which they believe will alleviate their ongoing struggles with river pollution and blockage.

The river's water flow has significantly diminished to a mere trickle, a consequence of poor engineering decisions made during the replacement of an old bridge that dated back to the British era.

In the years 2005-06, plans were set in motion to dismantle the old bridge, built in 1883, with intentions to remove both its roof and pillars. However, the pillars proved too resilient to be completely demolished.

As a result, engineers opted to repair the existing pillars and construct a new roof on top. This modification raised the bridge's ground level above the riverbed, severely impeding water flow near the structure.

For the last 17 years, waste and sludge from nearby areas have accumulated on either side of the bridge, unable to drain effectively. Reports indicate that all sewage from the city becomes trapped near the bridge, exacerbating environmental pollution.

During flood events, the stagnant waste is washed downstream, further contaminating the river. With the irreversible mistakes made during the bridge's redesign, residents of Bhanjanagar find themselves in a difficult situation.

In light of these challenges, local MLA Pradyumna Kumar Nayak has suggested the construction of a ring road along the riverbank.

A budget of Rs 400 crore has been allocated for this initiative, and there is hope that, once approved, it will address both drainage and traffic concerns.

Historically, the British administration had a forward-thinking approach for Bhanjanagar, focusing on road connectivity and drinking water systems. The bridge over the Loharakhandi River was built in 1883 to link Berhampur and Bhanjanagar by road. Subsequently, in 1894, a water reservoir was established in Bhanjanagar for irrigation and to supply drinking water to Berhampur.

In 2005, the then-MLA Bikram Keshari Arukh began efforts to demolish the old bridge, which had significantly deteriorated, and to construct a new one. Portions of the old structure, including the roof, were removed to facilitate the new bridge's construction, which was inaugurated on August 3, 2008, restoring road connectivity between Bhanjanagar and Berhampur.