Drain Water Spills Onto Road, Residents Endure Foul Step
KHORDHA, SEPTEMBER 6: Sanitation and drainage arrangements in Khordha town have come under scrutiny again, with residents along the Kantachhak–Panabaraj road alleging that stagnant and foul-smelling wastewater has been flowing onto the road, creating an unhygienic environment and causing considerable inconvenience to commuters and local residents.
The problem has reportedly persisted along the stretch from Kantachhak towards Panabaraj and up to the vicinity of the Lokeshwar Dev Temple. Residents have alleged that wastewater from a roadside drain is overflowing onto the carriageway due to inadequate drainage arrangements, resulting in waterlogging and persistent foul odour.
According to local residents, a drain originating near the Palla Hanuman Temple has been left incomplete near Kantachhak. As there is no properly connected outlet for the wastewater to flow further, the accumulated water reportedly spills onto the road and moves along the Kantachhak–Panabaraj stretch before accumulating near the Lokeshwar Dev Temple.
The stagnant wastewater has allegedly remained on the roadside for prolonged periods, resulting in an unpleasant smell and deteriorating the overall environment of the locality. Pedestrians and motorists passing through the stretch are reportedly facing difficulties, particularly when vehicles splash the contaminated water onto people walking along the roadside.
Residents said the situation becomes more serious during rainfall, when rainwater and wastewater reportedly mix and spread over the road. The accumulation not only makes movement difficult but also raises concerns over sanitation and public health.
Children, elderly persons and women are among those reportedly facing greater inconvenience while using the affected stretch. Residents said pedestrians are often forced to negotiate waterlogged portions of the road while vehicles continue to pass through the area.
The condition near the Lokeshwar Dev Temple has also become a matter of concern for devotees visiting the shrine. Residents said devotees have to pass through or alongside stagnant wastewater and endure the foul smell while approaching the temple.
Several residents have expressed displeasure over the presence of such an unhygienic environment near a religious place and urged the civic authorities to take immediate corrective measures.
Residents have also alleged that wastewater from toilets and household discharge from some premises has been connected to the roadside drain. They claimed that certain households may be releasing toilet wastewater into the drain, thereby increasing the level of contamination.
At some locations, residents have alleged that sewage-like waste is also visible in the flowing water. If verified, such unauthorised connections could aggravate the sanitation problem and pose a serious environmental and public health concern, they said.
Residents have urged the municipal authorities to inspect the drain network and verify whether household toilet outlets have been illegally connected to the stormwater or roadside drainage system. They have also sought appropriate action if any irregular connections are found.
Another major concern raised by residents is the alleged lack of regular cleaning and maintenance of drains. According to them, garbage, silt and other waste have accumulated at several points, restricting the natural flow of water.
Residents said construction of drains alone cannot resolve the town’s drainage problems unless regular desilting, cleaning and maintenance are carried out. They urged the civic authorities to ensure that drainage channels remain free from garbage and silt, particularly during the monsoon.
Residents have demanded immediate removal of the wastewater accumulated on the road and a technical inspection of the drainage system from the Palla Hanuman Temple area to Kantachhak.
They have also sought completion or rectification of the reportedly incomplete drain and creation of a properly connected drainage outlet so that wastewater does not spill onto the Kantachhak–Panabaraj road and accumulate near the Lokeshwar Dev Temple.
A comprehensive inspection of the entire stretch has also been sought to identify bottlenecks, incomplete portions and points where the drainage network may be inadequate.
Residents further demanded verification of alleged household sewage connections to the drain and action against any unauthorised discharge found during the inspection.
Residents said the municipal authorities should treat the issue as a civic and sanitation priority rather than resorting only to temporary measures. They called for immediate cleaning of the affected drain, removal of stagnant wastewater and restoration of the proper flow of water.
They also urged the authorities to conduct a survey of drainage conditions in other parts of Khordha town to identify similar problem spots before they develop into major sanitation hazards.
Residents said a long-term drainage plan, coupled with regular maintenance and effective monitoring, was necessary to prevent recurrence of the problem. They urged the civic authorities to visit the affected area, identify the underlying cause of the waterlogging and undertake permanent remedial measures at the earliest.
With the Kantachhak–Panabaraj road serving local residents as well as regular commuters and devotees visiting the nearby temple, residents fear that continued waterlogging and foul odour could further worsen the condition of the area if immediate intervention is not made.
Report:- Dillip Kumar Pattnaik
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