Bhubaneswar: In a proactive initiative to tackle urban flooding and improve the sustainable management of water bodies, Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Housing & Urban Development Department, conducted an early morning site visit to the Ganguanala and Daya West Canal areas in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.
The visit, undertaken in coordination with the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), was aimed at assessing the condition of key drainage channels and associated water bodies, which are critical to the city’s flood management infrastructure.
Padhee was accompanied by senior officials including BMC Commissioner Rajesh Pravakar Patil, BDA Vice Chairman Dr. N. Thirumala Nayak, Additional Secretary Satrughan Kar, along with senior engineers and urban planners from both BMC and BDA.
During the field inspection, the team evaluated existing challenges such as silt accumulation, encroachment, and structural obstructions. Detailed discussions were held on both short-term and long-term strategies for desilting, cleaning, and restoring the natural flow of water through the channels. The need for integrated planning to enhance the water-carrying capacity and ecological value of these urban waterways was also highlighted.
Speaking on the occasion, Padhee stressed the importance of a holistic approach that combines engineering interventions with ecological restoration and community participation. She instructed the concerned departments to prepare a time-bound action plan, aligned with Bhubaneswar’s broader vision of becoming a flood-resilient and environmentally sustainable city.
The visit reflects the government’s commitment to proactive governance, sustainable urban development, and environmental conservation.
