In the MV-79 Ramnagar area of Kalimela block in Malkangiri district, a disastrous situation has arisen since the onset of rains due to non-cleaning of drains for a long time. Due to this, normal life has been disrupted. The drains, which have been buried with soil and garbage for years, are now filling up with sewage water, and in some places, the water is flowing into the houses. At such a time, the reply received from the administration that the drain cleaning work will be taken up in the financial year 2027-28 has further increased the discontent of the locals.
According to the locals, the drains have not been cleaned regularly since their construction. As a result, even with moderate rains, water cannot be drained. Especially in MV-79, in front of SBI Bank, JMFC Court Road, market area and various residential areas, traffic is being disrupted due to waterlogging. The situation has become even worse after the recent Kalbaisakhi rains. The garbage and garbage flowing from the upper areas are clogging the drains and creating a foul smell. In many places, people are overwhelmed by the presence of animals in the sewage water houses.
Due to the stagnant water, there is a risk of mosquito breeding and the spread of various water-borne and infectious diseases. The residents of the area had earlier complained about the drainage problem through mass media. However, the reply received from the concerned department has said that the drain cleaning work will be taken up in the financial year 2027-28. Regarding this, the question of the people is, how far is it reasonable to wait for another financial year to clean the drain, which has not been cleaned for years and is now causing sewage water to flow from house to house during the rain? According to the local residents, this is not just a question of cleanliness, but a serious problem related to public health and safety of the common people. If the drains are not cleaned immediately, the situation is likely to worsen in the upcoming heavy rains, with roads being submerged and residential areas being affected.
