Bhubaneswar, May 29 (OT Webdesk) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has taken decisive action to tackle waterlogging issues in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, aiming for a long-term drainage solution before the monsoon season.
Chairing a high-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan, the CM directed officials to accelerate drainage cleaning efforts, with a completion target of June 20.
During the meeting, CM Majhi stressed the importance of a permanent resolution to waterlogging problems in vulnerable areas, especially ISKCON, Cuttack Road, Ahlya Nagar, SUM Hospital, and Ayurveda College. While temporary drainage measures have been implemented, he urged officials to initiate comprehensive solutions to prevent disruptions to daily life and traffic.
A crucial aspect of the plan includes tackling pollution from hospital waste, which drains into the Gangua River, a tributary of the Daya River. To improve water quality and prevent environmental hazards, the CM ordered establishing water treatment plants.
The Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) detailed its strategies to mitigate urban flooding. CM Majhi emphasised inter-departmental cooperation between the Housing and Urban Development Department, the Works Department, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to ensure effective execution of drainage enhancements.
With monsoon-related waterborne diseases posing a serious threat, CM Majhi instructed health and municipal officials to enforce preventive measures and safeguard urban areas against outbreaks.
Beyond Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, CM Majhi extended his directives to other urban centres across Odisha, calling for uniform efforts in improving drainage infrastructure statewide.
The meeting included Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, BMC Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, BDA Vice-Chairman Dr. N. Tirumala Nayak, CMC Commissioner Anam Charan Patra, and representatives from NHAI and the Works Department.
With the monsoon season approaching, the Odisha government’s swift action is expected to bring major relief to residents, ensuring safer streets and cleaner waterways.
