Bhubaneswar: With monsoon rains approaching, Minister for Housing & Urban Development, Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, took stock of the drainage situation in Bhubaneswar today, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring 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 waterlogging-prone areas, including the ISKCON Temple site near Krishna Tower, Kalinga Studio Square near 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 and expressed concern over blockages and delays in cleaning operations. He issued immediate instructions for the deployment of additional manpower and machinery to speed up desilting and clearing of drains on a war footing.
Following the field visit, Minister 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, holding tax collection, and preparatory plans 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 invite strict accountability. “The safety and convenience of citizens during monsoon is non-negotiable,” he emphasized.
Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Housing & Urban Development Department, advised ULBs to rigorously follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Department and assured that full support will be extended wherever needed. “Officers must remain proactive and ready to face any challenge,” she said.
The Housing & Urban Development Department remains focused on ensuring robust preparedness and timely action to minimize urban flooding risks and improve the quality of life for all urban residents in Odisha.
