With monsoon rains approaching, the Odisha government has intensified efforts to address Bhubaneswar’s drainage challenges. In a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja at Lok Seva Bhavan, key officials assessed the city’s drainage system and planned urgent interventions.
The meeting brought together senior officials from the Housing and Urban Development Department, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Bhubaneswar Development Authority, and National Highway Authority of India, among others. Discussions focused on improving water outflow in flood-prone areas to prevent urban flooding.
Given the frequent waterlogging in regions like ISKCON Temple Road, Cuttack Road, AIIMS locality, and Laxmisagar, officials have been directed to fast-track priority drainage projects. BMC Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil presented a detailed report on the existing drainage infrastructure, highlighting the city’s 77.07 km of primary natural drains and 1,839 km of internal drains managed across different departments.
Recognising the need for coordinated efforts, the Chief Secretary instructed various agencies, including the Disaster Management Authority, to allocate funds for drainage upgrades. Approximately ₹300 crore has been earmarked for repair and reconstruction, with stringent monitoring to ensure timely completion.
To streamline efforts, officials will collaborate on synchronised drainage projects while deploying enhanced flood mitigation strategies. The state’s disaster management departments will work in coordination with civic bodies to implement structural improvements.
By prioritizing rapid intervention, the Odisha government aims to mitigate Bhubaneswar’s recurrent waterlogging challenges, ensuring a safer urban environment ahead of heavy rains. Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with ongoing infrastructure projects to strengthen the city’s resilience against monsoon floods.
