BHUBANESWAR: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has completed the tender process to desilt drains much ahead of the onset of monsoon to tackle urban flooding and choking of the sewerage system.
“We have already completed the tender process to take up drain-cleaning work much before the rainy season. We want to ensure that city drains are not choked and they do not lead to flooding,” said BMC commissioner Sanjay Kumar Singh.
“In the pre-monsoon period, we will clean altogether 67-km drains. Soon we will start the de-siltation work and it be over by May. Following showers, the de-siltation work will be resumed again,” said Gautam Das, superintending engineer, BMC drainage division.
Almost every monsoon, the capital city witnesses waterlogging following even a half-an-hour shower due to choked drains and sewers.
BMC officials said the de-siltation work will be taken up by private contractors in 29 different packages and a total of Rs 3 crore will be spent in the initiative. Iron net will be used on open drains and at sewer intersections to filter trash and avert mishap.
The city has 10 natural drainage channels in its west part. Drain water reaches the Gangua canal before falling into Daya river.
Sources said, during heavy rain, these drains take load of storm water and create deluge.
“If sludge and other waste materials are removed and the drain water remains unobstructed, then there is less chance of waterlogging in roads and residential area,” said a BMC officer.
Last year, the BMC had identified 37 vulnerable points that witness immense waterlogging issues during monsoon.
Beside Jhadpada and Siddhi Nagar near City Women’s College, residents of Acharya Vihar, Rasulgarh, Laxmisagar, Old Airport Road, Jaydev Vihar, Nayapalli, Iskon Temple and several other adjacent localities complain of frequent waterlogging during the rainy season.
