In a decisive move to tackle the perennial issue of waterlogging in Bhubaneswar, all newly constructed stormwater drains within the municipal limits will be transferred to the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) for regular maintenance and upkeep. This decision was finalized during a recent high-level meeting.
According to the meeting minutes, after completion, these newly built drains will be formally handed over to the respective urban local bodies for routine cleaning and maintenance. In Bhubaneswar, the BMC will assume responsibility for the drainage network to ensure its proper upkeep.
Officials stated that this initiative is expected to streamline maintenance operations and mitigate frequent waterlogging in several low-lying and congestion-prone areas of the city, particularly during the monsoon season. The BMC has been directed to complete the takeover process by the end of this month.
The meeting, chaired by senior officials from the housing and urban development and works departments, also addressed the increasing burden on the BMC due to rapid urbanization and heightened stormwater flow. It was noted that with the swift pace of urban expansion, the frequency of drain maintenance activities has significantly escalated over the years.
“Regular annual budgetary support shall be provisioned henceforth for meeting recurring expenditures related to desilting, cleaning, and minor repair of such drains,” the minutes read. Officials confirmed that a dedicated allocation of Rs 75 crore per year for drainage upkeep will be provided to the BMC.
The need for additional funding was underscored during the meeting, where it was highlighted that the BMC has already spent Rs 25 crore from its own resources on maintaining PWD drains handed over earlier this year. The projected annual requirement of Rs 75 crore is intended to meet the growing demand for cleaning and desilting, officials added.
“Bringing all drains under BMC’s control will help plug gaps in maintenance and improve accountability. A monthly coordination mechanism involving our officials and the works department engineers has also been proposed to review progress and address bottlenecks in the future,” said Mayor Sulochana Das.
