TV
As the monsoon approaches Odisha, incomplete drainage and repair work in Sambalpur city has raised serious concerns among residents. With heavy rains expected in the coming days, several major drains remain clogged while construction and cleaning work in key areas is still ongoing.
According to ground reports, certain sections of the city’s primary drainage systems have either collapsed or are choked with debris.
While desilting and cleaning efforts have begun in prominent drains, the progress remains slow and scattered. Areas such as the Dhobijoar and Tangana drains, which serve as crucial water outlets leading to the Mahanadi River, are reportedly at risk of overflow if intense rainfall occurs.
In several localities, including the main road from Laxmitalkies Chhak to Mudipada, the situation is particularly worrisome. The principal drain along this stretch is completely blocked, with construction activities ongoing only on one side. Many secondary lane drains are in similar disrepair, prompting fears of urban flooding.
Local residents have voiced their concerns about the potential waterlogging and disruption to daily life.
Senior citizen Shiv Meher expressed disappointment, stating, "Despite knowing the monsoon is near, the authorities have failed to complete the cleaning work in time. Now they will clean up the drain. Only the work is going on for cameras. Drains near the roads are choked. "
Another resident, Manas Ranjan Buxi, warned, "Dhobijoar and Tangana are filled with weeds and not desilted. We urge administration and civic body to clean up the drains at the earliest if the rains intensify before the drains are cleared, the city will literally be submerged."
Earlier, authorities had decided to complete drain cleaning and road repairs before the annual Sital Sasthi festival, a major local celebration. However, that deadline has passed, and work still lingers incomplete. With the monsoon set to begin within days, further repair efforts could be disrupted by rainfall, complicating the situation even more.
District Collector has acknowledged the issue and assured that the desilting of major drains is underway and nearing completion. Other related works, such as drain construction and road repairs, will be carried out in phases and are expected to finish soon.
Sambalpur Collector, Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar said, “In view of the monsoon season, major nullahs and other drains are being cleaned up by the irrigation department. We have given a target to complete the works within 15 days.”
However, with time running out and rain clouds gathering, residents are left hoping that the city’s drainage system will be ready before the monsoon hits its peak. Without swift and effective action, Sambalpur may soon be battling waterlogged streets and civic chaos once again.
