Orissa HC slams Cuttack administration, expresses concerns over poor state of roads and drains

The Orissa High Court, in its judgement, strongly criticised the handling of the Rs 335.42 crore branch surface water channel (BSWC) drain project in Cuttack, pointing to glaring irregularities in the preparation of its Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).

According to The Times of India, on July 11, a division bench of Justices S K Sahoo and V Narasingh expressed alarm that the DPRs submitted by the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) lacked official authentication.

The bench also pointed out that the CMC had failed to identify the officials responsible for their preparation. The bench termed the lapses ‘startling’ and indicative of a ‘lackadaisical’ approach to a vital urban infrastructure project.

One of the most serious concerns raised was the involvement of a private consultancy firm from Bhubaneswar, which reportedly represented the city engineer of CMC in an official meeting held on April 30. The court noted that there was no documentation or government order authorising this representation, raising questions about transparency and protocol.

In a separate order, the city engineer was asked to submit a detailed affidavit explaining the technical basis for engaging the firm and redirecting the DPRs to VSSUT. He also assured the court that revised DPRs would be ready by July 25.

Civic Woes Extend to Roads and Public Infrastructure

During the same hearing, the High Court turned its attention to another persistent civic concern of the poor condition of roads across Cuttack.

Taking suo motu cognisance of a newspaper report and a submission by the High Court Bar Association, the bench highlighted that several roads, including those in Khapuria, Gandarpur, Mahanadi Vihar, Ghatakula Chowk, Khannagar, and Nuapada, remain in disrepair despite recent repairs.

The court observed that even newly resurfaced roads have deteriorated to a non-motorable condition, suggesting shoddy work and a lack of oversight.

Top officials, including the Chief Engineer of the Roads & Buildings (R&B) Division and the City Engineer of CMC, were instructed to submit individual affidavits by July 31. These must detail the quality of work undertaken, timelines for remaining repairs, and steps taken against negligent contractors.

With affidavits due in the coming weeks, the next round of hearings on these matters has been scheduled for August 7.