Waterlogging In Bhubaneswar: Three Persons Swept Away

Bhubaneswar: One spell of heavy rain in Bhubaneswar and the whole smart city seems to become a death trap for citizens with waterlogging choking the drains and roads. Incessant rain last night created an artificial flood-like situation near Utkal Villa in the Acharya Vihar area where 3 persons on a motorcycle were swept away.

As per the onlookers' account, three unidentified youth entered the area late last night which was already flooded after heavy rain. Though local residents tried to alert them; they didn't heed the warning and entered the alley and were swept away as the current of the rainwater flowing over the road was quite strong. The whole episode was captured in a nearby CCTV camera and revealed how dangerous the roads of Bhubaneswar become after rain.

Thankfully nobody was injured in the incident, but it did send shockwaves as waterlogging woes are compounding for the denizens of the smart city.

It is alleged that the construction of a box drain in that area commenced four years back, but it is still incomplete leading to drainage issues. "We have been complaining for years, but all our grievances fall on deaf years. Different BMC Commissioners have come to this area at different times in the last four years, but the situation remains same," said a local.

Another youth who is staying in that area for 3 years said, "Flooding in the area after rain is a common phenomenon. Sometimes we can't come to our house and it's irritating."