Bhubaneswar: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit has revealed alarming lapses in the planning and implementation of stormwater drainage and sewerage systems in municipal corporation areas in Odisha.
The audit assessed the adequacy and effectiveness of infrastructure relating to stormwater drainage and sewerage systems, implemented by Municipal Corporations (MCs), Odisha Water Supply and Sewerage Board (OWSSB), and Water and Transportation Corporation (WATCO).
According to the findings, the absence of a regulatory framework for stormwater drainage management led to non-compliance with National Disaster Management guidelines, resulting in water logging and urban flooding.
Municipal Corporations failed to implement measures to recharge groundwater despite declining levels, exacerbating the crisis.
Urbanization Impact: Rapid urbanization has significantly altered land use patterns, particularly affecting drains and nallahs.
Inadequate Master Planning: Municipal Corporations did not prepare master plans for stormwater drainage management, contributing to waterlogging and urban flooding.
Safety Concerns: Drains were not adequately covered with slabs, posing safety risks to commuters.
Sewerage Project Deficiencies: Deficiencies in Detailed Project Reports led to avoidable expenditure of Rs 3,045.44 crore.
Contamination Issues: The Daya West irrigation canal was converted into a sewage waste drain, and water at the River Kuakhai intake well for Bhubaneswar City was highly contaminated.
