Bhubaneswar: In a bid to address growing concerns about waterlogging during monsoon in Bhubaneswar, the Odisha government has geared up to improve drainage system across the capital city.
As the government focussed on improving water outflow in flood-prone areas to prevent urban flooding, Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra on Tuesday inspected the drainage system in the city to address the issue.
Accompanied by senior officials and engineers from Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mahapatra visited several areas which often encounter severe waterlogging during rain.
During his visit, the Minister told reporters that concrete steps, both temporary and permanent, are being taken to tackle waterlogging in areas like ISKCON Temple Road in the city.
While a temporary arrangement is being made for discharge of excess water from the area during the current monsoon, the government is also working out a long-term plan to provide a lasting solution to the problem of waterlogging near ISKCON Temple in the city, he said.
The long-term plan involving a separate drainage system would be implemented in close coordination with the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), state’s public works department (PWD) and BMC.
The Minister further stated that unauthorised structures which have come up at several places blocking the flow of water would be removed.
Given the frequent waterlogging in areas like ISKCON Temple Road, Cuttack Road, AIIMS locality, and Laxmisagar, officials have been directed to fast-track priority drainage projects. The inspection focused on both main and branch drainage channels through these localities.
Stating that open drains in the city have been covered, the Minister said in some places barricading has been done. Steps have also been taken for the cleaning of drains on a war footing. Special attention was given to clearing debris to ensure proper water flow during the rainy season.
