Bhubaneswar, June 3, (OT Webdesk): As the monsoon rains approach, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, assessed the drainage situation in Bhubaneswar today, reaffirming the government’s commitment to providing a waterlogging-free and safe urban environment for residents.
Accompanied by senior officials and engineers from the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Dr. Mahapatra personally inspected several areas prone to waterlogging. These included the ISKCON Temple site near Krishna Tower, Kalinga Studio Square near the Ayurvedic Hospital, Rajiv Nagar, Drain No. 9 in Bhoi Nagar, Drain No. 4, and Bomikhal near Esplanade Mall and Durga Mandap.
The Minister reviewed both major and branch drainage channels, expressing concern about blockages and delays in cleaning operations. He issued immediate instructions to deploy additional manpower and machinery to expedite the desilting and clearing of drains.
Following the field visit, Dr. Mahapatra conducted a video conference with all 115 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to review overall monsoon preparedness across the state. Key focus areas included sanitation, drainage readiness, revenue generation, property tax collection, and preparations for the “One Year Celebration” of departmental initiatives.
During the review, the Minister made it clear that any lapses or negligence leading to waterlogging or public inconvenience would result in strict accountability. “The safety and convenience of citizens during the monsoon is non-negotiable,” he emphasised.
Smt. Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department, urged ULBs to diligently follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Department and assured that full support would be provided wherever needed. “Officers must remain proactive and ready to face any challenges,” she stated.
The Housing and Urban Development Department is committed to ensuring robust preparedness and timely actions to minimise the risks of urban flooding and improve the quality of life for all urban residents in Odisha.
