Orissa High Court Lashes Out at Cuttack’s Civic Mess and School Sanitation

Expressing serious concern over deteriorating road conditions and unhygienic sanitation facilities in government schools, the Odisha High Court has directed multiple authorities to file detailed affidavits outlining corrective measures.

The division bench of Justice SK Sahoo and Justice V Narasingh took cognisance of the matter on July 11, following visual reports published in a vernacular daily. The court highlighted areas such as Khapuria, Gandarpur, Mahanadi Vihar Main Road, Press Chhak, and Nuapada as being “virtually not motorable,” with even recently repaired stretches showing premature damage.

Officials from the Roads & Buildings Division and Cuttack Municipal Corporation were instructed to submit affidavits detailing the quality of roads in all municipal wards, timelines for repairs, and accountability provisions in existing contracts. The bench also stressed the need for clauses enabling recovery of repair costs from contractors who fail to maintain standards.

In a parallel development, the court also addressed the dire lack of sanitation in government-run schools, including Maria Bazar School and Nuabazar High School. It directed the School and Mass Education department to file an affidavit by July 31, covering amenities like clean drinking water and gender-specific washrooms across all non-private schools in the city.

The next hearing is scheduled for August 7, where the court expects substantive updates from all concerned departments.