TV
The Orissa High Court has expressed serious concern over the persistent waterlogging problem in Cuttack. The Court took note of the fact that despite plans to construct a drainage system on the Railways land at Matagajpur, no concrete steps have been taken so far.
The Court showed its displeasure over the inaction and directed that a joint team comprising officials from the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), Drainage, Railways, and members of the Advocate Committee should visit the affected area on July 27 to conduct a field inspection.
Additionally, the Court voiced dissatisfaction over the mismanagement at the Cuttack City Hospital. It also expressed concern regarding the under-construction ‘Matrumangal Gruha’, especially the lack of proper parking facilities in the newly constructed buildings.
The Court has been informed by the Executive Engineer of the R&B Department that the construction work of the hospital is expected to be completed by June. The High Court has stressed the need for timely completion and better management of public infrastructure projects to address civic issues in the city.
“The most critical civic issue in Cuttack is its poor drainage system. Waterlogging becomes evident even after just 15 minutes of rain,” said Saroj Padhi, a member of the Advocate Committee.
“There has been a major disruption in the Matagajpur drainage line. Interestingly, the Railways received Rs 15 crore from WATCO three years ago, but the work has not yet started. The High Court has now constituted a high-level Committee comprising the CMC Commissioner, members of the Advocate Committee, and others, and has directed them to conduct a field inspection of the area on July 27,” Padhi added.
