Aravind Nagar Turns Into a Waterlogged Zone After Rain ;

Drainage failure hits Ward No. 8; roads submerged under up to four feet of water, rainwater enters houses.

Dillip Kumar Pattnaik

KHORDHA, SEPTEMBER 16: Residents of Aravind Nagar under Ward No. 8 of Khordha Municipality are facing severe waterlogging whenever it rains, with rainwater accumulating on roads and, in several places, reportedly reaching depths of nearly four feet. The situation has disrupted normal life and raised concerns over the absence of a permanent drainage and storm-water management system in the area.

Residents said that while some stretches remain inundated up to knee level, water accumulates to much greater depths in low-lying pockets. In several houses, rainwater reportedly enters through the entrances, forcing residents to negotiate flooded surroundings even during routine movement.

The recurring problem has affected students, parents, pedestrians, two-wheeler riders and patients visiting healthcare facilities in the locality. Despite the issue persisting for years and repeated complaints to the municipal authorities, residents allege that no permanent solution has yet been put in place.
The situation is particularly serious in Aravind Nagar, where the existing drainage infrastructure is reportedly inadequate to cope with the volume of storm water during rainfall. Residents said that several drains do not have proper water flow, resulting in the accumulation of rainwater on roads and residential premises for prolonged periods.
According to local residents, storm water from Wards 5, 6 and 8 converges towards a low-lying area near the exhibition ground in front of the Swapneswar Temple. However, inadequate arrangements for the further discharge of the accumulated water allegedly cause the water to back up towards Aravind Nagar.
Following rainfall, several roads in the locality remain submerged to such an extent that it becomes difficult to distinguish between the roadway and the adjoining low-lying areas. Pedestrian movement is severely affected, while two-wheeler riders face additional risks as the actual depth of the water remains difficult to assess.
The problem has also become a concern for students and parents associated with Avenir Star School in Aravind Nagar. Rainwater reportedly accumulates in front of the school’s main gate, making access difficult during school opening and closing hours when the movement of students and parents is at its peak. Parents are often compelled to cross the waterlogged stretch while dropping off or collecting their children.
Patients visiting a homoeopathic clinic run by Dr. Prakash Sahu in the locality are also reportedly facing difficulties. Elderly persons and those suffering from illness find it particularly difficult to negotiate the flooded roads to reach the clinic, residents said.
Residents claimed that the municipal engineer, chairperson and the concerned councillor have been apprised of the waterlogging problem on several occasions. Though assurances have reportedly been given for remedial measures, the recurrence of the problem during successive rainy seasons has fuelled growing dissatisfaction among residents.
Residents have questioned why a long-term drainage plan has not been prepared despite the recurring nature of the problem. They said temporary measures such as pumping out accumulated water during rainfall or cleaning drains periodically cannot provide a lasting solution unless the underlying drainage deficiencies are addressed.
They have demanded a comprehensive assessment of the locality’s topography, storm-water flow, carrying capacity of existing drains and the final discharge points before redesigning the drainage network.
The residents have also sought construction of new drains wherever necessary, restoration and widening of existing drains, removal of obstructions along natural water-flow channels and creation of a clearly defined storm-water discharge system.
With the monsoon continuing, residents fear that further spells of heavy rain could aggravate the situation unless immediate and effective measures are taken. They have urged the Khordha Municipality to treat the recurring waterlogging in Ward No. 8 as a long-term civic infrastructure issue rather than a seasonal problem.