CMC details steps taken to tackle waterlogging in 3 medical facilities
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Cuttack: The Cuttack municipal corporation has informed the Orissa high court that efforts are being intensified to address persistent waterlogging issues at SCB Medical College and Hospital, Acharya Harihar Post Graduate Institute for Cancer (AHPGIC) and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Post Graduate Institute of Paediatrics (Sishu Bhawan) in Cuttack.
A special bench for hearing PILs on civic issues in Cuttack was taking stock of preparations amid the ongoing rains at the three state-run premier medical institutions on June 19.
In its report to the court, CMC stated that significant progress was made in compliance with the orders issued by the high court on May 16.
According to the report, the desilting of drains within SCB and AHPGIC campuses located in close proximity is nearly complete, with 80% of the work done.
The remaining work is expected to be done by the end of this month. To combat flooding during monsoon, four dewatering pump motors have been installed by the CMC at key locations within the campus, including near the casualty ward, post-mortem block and the cancer institute.
A high-level meeting had reviewed the progress and stressed early execution of drainage construction at Sishu Bhawan, the report said, adding that Rs 8.08 crore has been sanctioned by the health and family welfare department for the drainage project.
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The funds are with the superintending engineer, R&B Division-I and CMC has been requested to furnish account details for immediate fund transfer.
The civic body has also begun clearing encroachments and desilting drains around Sishu Bhawan. A 24 HP VOLVO pump has been installed for dewatering, with provisions to install an additional 10 HP pump if needed. The absence of a discharge outlet in the vicinity underscores the need for a new internal drainage system.
Tender for the new drainage network was floated on June 16, with the last date for submission set as July 18. Work orders are expected to be issued by Sept 1 and the project is scheduled for completion by Aug 31 next year.
Authorities have instructed all departments to ensure pre-monsoon preparedness to avoid any health and infrastructural emergencies, the high court was further informed.
The two-judge bench of Justice S K Sahoo and Justice V Narasingh posted the matter to July 17 for further review.
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