After deluge, BMC to revive natural drainage channels

Bhubaneswar: After facing criticism over widespread flooding in smart city, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation has now decided to act tough on individuals and institutions for illegal encroachments on natural drainage channels.

BMC Mayor Anant Narayan Jena informed that already 10 sensitive and vulnerable points have been identified while special measures would be taken to clear encroachments on various natural drainage channels in different parts of the city.

Jena informed that the decision was taken at a meeting convened by Minister Ashok Panda on Monday.

Besides steps will also be taken to widen the Gangua nullah that carries bulk of the city’s waste water. It is also one of the major natural drainage channels for discharge of excess rainwater.

The Mayor further informed that under no circumstances encroachers will be allowed to block natural drainage channels as the recently-announced amnesty scheme by the government will not be applicable to such illegal constructions.

BMC officials stated that all the encroachments will be cleared within a year and if required, legal assistance will also be sought.

It is pertinent to mention here that several localities in Bhubaneswar were waterlogged following heavy rain on Saturday.

(Photo Source: The Telegraph)