BMC-NHAI Meet to Tackle Drainage Issues Before the Onset of Incessant Rains

Bhubaneswar, July 20: An important meeting addressing drainage and sanitation issues within the NHAI area was convened yesterday, chaired by BMC Commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange. During the meeting, Commissioner emphasized the criticality of resolving waterlogging areas resulting from drainage concerns within NHAI. Prompt action was urged to prevent inconvenience to citizens as the rainy season has already begun. The Commissioner directed the team to swiftly address all drainage requirements before the onset of heavy rainfall.

BMC has instructed preparations for water management through pump sets in waterlogged areas. Commissioner stressed the urgency of cleaning drains within NHAI, installing barricades, aligning drains, and covering them with slabs. Additionally, attention was drawn to the drain work near the ISCON Temple, which falls within NHAI's jurisdiction.

Commissioner emphasized the need to manage potholes and manholes on the roads, urging the prompt initiation of necessary repair work. He further highlighted the importance of sanitation, specifically addressing concerns such as the cleaning of drains, proper disposal of construction and demolition waste, and he also suggested the use of vacuum cleaners for road cleaning in relevant areas. The impact of high dust particles from NH roads was acknowledged, and appropriate measures were urged to mitigate the issue. The Commissioner emphasized the importance of addressing soil heaps on drains or roads and completing road work to ensure public safety.

Mechanical sweeping is being undertaken for an 80 km stretch, out of which 18 km is within NH roadways. Commissioner requested cost provision from NHAI for cleaning services, highlighting that BMC is adhering to rules and already incurring substantial expenses for cleaning BMC areas.

The meeting was attended by officials from NHAI, BMC Addl Commissioner-II Subhendu Sahu, Deputy Commissioner Sanitation Dr. Manoranjan Sahu, City Engineer Arun Nayak, and BMC's engineering team.