Amid waterlogging, BMC tightens rules for houses without space for drains

The massive downpour has left several parts of Bhubaneswar waterlogged and exposed the poor drainage system in the state capital. Roads, drains and even houses in several areas were flooded while vehicles were seen wading through knee-deep water, causing traffic problems and inconvenience to the residents.

As the state capital is witnessing severe waterlogging, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to tighten the housing norms to curb the waterlogging problem that troubles residents every monsoon.

No permission will be given to build a house if there is no special place for drains and roads, informed BMC Commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange. Owners will be dealt with strictly if they are using their houses for any other purpose other than the reason it was built, Kulange added.

He also warned of the strictest action against those violating the rules. Furthermore, a water harvesting project is mandatory in houses made in 300 square meters area. Similarly, for an area of 20,000 square meters or more, the house owners should have their own sewage treatment plant.

BMC Commissioner further warned that strict action would be taken if the pre-approved plans of houses, apartments, educational institutions, commercial establishments, and industrial establishments are violated within the BMC limits.

The BMC commissioner also issued warnings against those who littered the city. As a matter of fact, today in the Lakshmi Sagar area, the civic body brought all the waste dumped by a shopkeeper on the road and dumped it in front of his shop. 

“Our major issues are parking, sewage, and liquid waste management. Pre-approved plans for the construction of houses are not being followed properly. There are several cases of parking violations.  So, we had a meeting in this regard yesterday and request everyone to see if they have violated any rules,” said Amruta Kulange.

“We give everyone one month time to rectify the violations. If not, BMC will take strong action as per ODA rule,” he added.