In a significant move to tackle persistent waterlogging issues, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has officially taken charge of approximately 316 kilometers of internal drains across the city. This administrative shift marks a crucial step toward more efficient urban water management.
A Unified Approach to Drainage Management
The decision, approved during a recent council meeting, centralizes drainage management under BMC's direct supervision. Previously, maintenance responsibilities were fragmented across different departments and agencies, leading to coordination challenges and delayed responses during heavy rainfall.
"This consolidation will enable us to implement a comprehensive and systematic approach to drainage maintenance," explained a senior BMC official. "Having unified control means faster decision-making and more effective implementation of flood prevention measures."
What This Means for Bhubaneswar Residents
- Quick Response System: Faster addressing of waterlogging complaints during monsoon season
- Regular Maintenance: Systematic cleaning and desilting of drains throughout the year
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Planned improvements to the existing drainage network
- Accountability: Single-point responsibility for drainage-related issues
Monsoon-Ready Strategy
The timing of this transition is particularly strategic, with BMC aiming to have the entire drainage system optimized before the upcoming monsoon season. The corporation has already initiated preparatory work, including:
- Comprehensive mapping of all drainage channels
- Assessment of current infrastructure condition
- Identification of chronic waterlogging hotspots
- Deployment of additional resources for maintenance work
This proactive approach demonstrates BMC's commitment to transforming Bhubaneswar's urban infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. The centralized management model is expected to serve as a benchmark for other Indian cities facing similar urban flooding challenges.
