TV
The health corridor in Angul municipality, once a symbol of urban development, is now in a state of severe neglect. Constructed with the aim of beautifying the area, the corridor is now marred by broken statues, fallen trees, and damaged infrastructure. Pedestrian paths are scattered with broken tiles, and the selfie point is in ruins. Additionally, many lights have stopped functioning, while water leakage and constant noise add to the deteriorating environment.
Local residents have raised concerns over the condition of the corridor, citing widespread irregularities in its maintenance. The project, which faced several setbacks after its completion, is now covered in dust due to a lack of care and attention.
Local Residents Call for Action and Accountability
Angul’s residents are demanding a high-level investigation to address the situation and ensure accountability.
Biswaranjan Pattnaik, an Angul resident, shared his frustration, saying, “All the statues that were placed to enhance the beauty of the place are in shambles now. They have developed junk on them and are completely damaged. The district administration has completely neglected this and has not maintained the cleanliness around the area.”
Another resident, Binod Samal, said, “Initially, people from outer regions used to travel to this place, but that has completely stopped now. The locals also refrain from going there. This project was created only with the intention to misappropriate funds. It is of no use to anyone.”
Rajan Patra, another resident, complained, “The health corridor is now in a dire state, with the area deteriorating daily. There are no plans to address the situation. This project, the ‘Health Corridor,’ seems to have been created with the intent to misappropriate funds.”
Costly Project in Ruins
The health corridor, constructed under the then BJD government at a cost exceeding Rs 7 crore, is now in a state of neglect. Despite the initial investment, no funds have been allocated for its maintenance, and no authority has been designated to oversee its upkeep. As a result, the corridor has fallen into disrepair after only a few years.
In response to the deteriorating condition, the Angul municipal chairman has raised concerns regarding the construction of the health corridor in such a polluted environment. While the chairman emphasised the need for steps to address the situation, the executive officer confirmed that efforts for beautification and maintenance are currently underway.
Municipal Officials Respond
Akhaya Samanta, Angul Municipality Chairman, said, “In actuality, that place was never appropriate to build the health corridor. It is not only important to build a project like that but also to maintain a budget for its ongoing upkeep. Even after that, we are maintaining the project as much as we can. We change light bulbs when they break and have ensured a water supply.”
Satya Prakash Tripathy, Executive Officer of Angul Municipality, stated, “We are planning changes to the health corridor and have hired an agency to oversee its maintenance. We will ensure it is beautified once again.”
