2 days ago
HC directs govt officials to expedite drainage work in Cuttack
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Cuttack: Orissa high court on Friday took stock of the chronic waterlogging issues in Cuttack and directed top govt officials to expedite drainage work while ordering a joint inspection of the Matru Bhawan site and submission of a report by Aug 4.
While issuing the order, the division bench of Justices S K Sahoo and V Narasingh expressed concern over delay in executing key drainage infrastructure projects, especially a box-pushing culvert under railway tracks meant to ease stormwater discharge from Matru Bhawan to Matagajpur.
A major hurdle cited was the non-construction of a 1.3km stretch of drain between Matru Bhawan and Khannagar. Watco had deposited Rs 15.45 crore with ECoR in 2016 for constructing the culvert, but work is yet to begin.
The bench noted the delay was primarily due to the presence of an 11kV underground power cable.
The court ordered a joint inspection involving representatives from Water Corporation of Odisha (Watco), Tata Power Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL), East Coast Railway, and members of the advocates' committee, to determine how the cable can be relocated to allow drainage work to proceed.
Appearing in virtual mode, Usha Padhee, principal secretary of housing and urban development cited that over 400km of drainage work is required to be carried out in Cuttack.
She informed the court about 24x7 emergency control rooms, rapid response teams, and the strategic placement of over 310 pump sets to combat flooding in low-lying areas.
In a report, amicus curiae N K Mohanty apprised the court of delays in completing sewer connections across the city. He stated that only around 20,000 houses have been connected to the 362-km JICA-built sewer network, resulting in excessive discharge into open drains.
Mohanty highlighted structural issues such as broken mesh and clogged drains due to debris and poor maintenance by the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC). Additionally, five key drains are still awaiting administrative approval for construction.
CMC also submitted that it has engaged a consultancy firm to prepare a comprehensive drainage master plan for the city. The final report is expected by Dec. Detailed project reports (DPRs) for five major stormwater drains are under technical vetting, and tenders will be floated after govt approval and fund allocation.
The matter will be taken up for next hearing on Aug 7.
