Odisha’s Minister for Housing & Urban Development, Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting on sanitation, drainage and urban flood mitigation measures in Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Katak Municipal Corporation (KMC) at the 2nd Floor Conference Hall of UNNATI Bhawan.
Setting an ambitious target for the two major urban centres of the State, the Minister called upon BMC and KMC to strive for the top position in the national Swachhata rankings. Referring to Bhubaneswar’s earlier achievement of securing the 9th position in its category, he urged both Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to adopt a mission-mode approach and intensify efforts to ensure that Bhubaneswar and Katak emerge as Rank 1 cities in the forthcoming national Swachhata evaluations.
Reviewing the challenges of waterlogging and urban flooding during heavy rainfall, Dr. Mahapatra directed the concerned agencies to accord priority to mechanized drain cleaning and systematic desilting. In view of expert assessments identifying narrowed drains and heavy silt accumulation of up to 3–4 feet at several locations, he directed that high-tech machinery be deployed for comprehensive drain cleaning and that major drains be desilted at least three times a year to maintain adequate carrying capacity and prevent waterlogging.
Emphasizing technology-driven flood preparedness, the Minister directed that advanced flood sensors be installed at strategic locations and integrated with the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC). The system would facilitate real-time monitoring, forecasting of possible inundation and timely alerts to vulnerable areas, enabling quicker response and minimizing the impact of urban flooding.
Dr. Mahapatra also reviewed specific locations facing recurring waterlogging and sanitation challenges. He directed expeditious implementation of the ongoing drainage project near ISKCON Temple to provide a permanent solution to persistent waterlogging in the area. He also emphasized fast-tracking drainage interventions in Behera Sahi and strengthening integrated road-cum-drain infrastructure at critical locations across BMC.
The Minister called for innovative and technology-based interventions to address persistent garbage accumulation and foul odour at identified locations, including the Sainik School area. He stressed that sanitation measures should go beyond routine cleaning and incorporate sustainable, technology-enabled solutions to create cleaner, healthier and more liveable urban spaces.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Dr. Mahapatra said that the Government is committed to making Bhubaneswar and Katak among the cleanest and best-managed urban centres in the country. He said the objective is not merely to improve rankings but to bring visible and lasting improvements in sanitation, drainage and urban infrastructure.
The Minister said that both BMC and KMC should work with a clear mission to achieve Rank 1 in the national Swachhata rankings, supported by modern technology, effective monitoring and active citizen participation. On urban flooding, he emphasized that recurring waterlogging must be addressed through permanent solutions rather than temporary measures, with focus on advance preparedness, regular desilting, mechanized cleaning and real-time monitoring.
Dr. Mahapatra directed all concerned agencies to work in close coordination, ensure timely execution of ongoing projects and adopt a proactive approach to sanitation and flood management. He emphasized that urban infrastructure must be strengthened with a clear focus on prevention, preparedness, rapid response and long-term solutions.
The meeting was attended by Special Secretary, H&UD-cum-Mission Director, SBM (Urban), Binay Kumar Dash; BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana; KMC Commissioner Kirandeep Kaur Sahota; Director, WATCO, Debabrata Mohanty; EIC, OWSSB, Bhagyadhar Mohanty; and other senior officials of the Housing & Urban Development Department and concerned agencies.
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