Sambalpur, a city in Odisha, India, is struggling with the aftermath of seven days of incessant rain. The city’s infrastructure is severely affected, leaving several areas waterlogged, with kutcha roads turned into muddy patches. The situation is so dire that key markets are almost submerged, severely impacting life and civic services.

Affected Areas

• Pradhanpada
• Thakurpada
• Sakhipada
• Jagannath colony underpass
• Kultapada in Danipali

These areas are among the worst affected, with drain water entering homes. Residents are pointing fingers at the lack of adequate drain cleaning before the rains. Rakesh Mohapatra, a resident of Danipali, said, “The drains were not properly cleaned before the rains, resulting in waterlogging in many areas. The sweepers would clean and desilt the drains, but leave the mud and dirt behind, which again goes into the drains when it rains.”

Aarati Sahu, another resident, added, “The underpass is a persistent issue. It remains flooded throughout the year, and no action has been taken since it was opened. It’s a chronic problem that needs to be addressed.”

The market yard at the bus stand near the Town police station is also experiencing waterlogging issues, forcing buyers to navigate muddy conditions. One buyer said, “The drain water is overflowing in the vegetable market. There is no action being taken to shift the vegetable vendors to concrete kiosks, leaving them to deal with the muddy conditions.”

Water Supply Disrupted

The water supply to several parts of the state has been disrupted due to maintenance work at the water treatment plant in Bareipali. District collector S B Bondar has taken stock of the situation and asked Watco officials to resolve the issue and resume water supply. Bondar said, “As there is a warning of heavy rainfall for Sambalpur, the rain is incessant. Various teams have been deployed across the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation areas. Pumps are also being used to drain out water. The corporation and electricity teams are visiting various wards and resolving issues.”

Preparing for the Situation

The district administration is taking measures to address the situation. Two places are designated to discharge rainwater into the Mahanadi river around the year. However, when more gates of the Hirakud dam are opened, river water enters the city, affecting low-lying areas. In response, the district administration is prepared to open up to 24 gates of the Hirakud dam.

“As more gates open, we will close those at Bali Bandha and Binakhandi, and make the pumping stations functional,”

said Bondar.

Residents’ Frustration

• Residents are frustrated with the lack of action from the authorities.
• The situation is being described as a “chronic problem” that needs to be addressed.
• Residents are pointing to the inadequate drain cleaning and the failure to shift vendors to concrete kiosks as major issues.

The residents of Sambalpur are frustrated with the lack of action from the authorities. The situation is being described as a “chronic problem” that needs to be addressed. Residents are pointing to the inadequate drain cleaning and the failure to shift vendors to concrete kiosks as major issues.

Efforts to Address the Situation

Efforts are being made to address the situation. Various teams are being deployed across the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation areas. Pumps are being used to drain out water, and the corporation and electricity teams are visiting various wards to resolve issues.

The district collector is taking stock of the situation and ensuring that the necessary measures are being taken. The administration is working to resume water supply and mitigate the impact of the waterlogging.

Conclusion

The situation in Sambalpur is a complex one, with multiple factors contributing to the waterlogging and disruption of civic services. However, the district administration is taking steps to address the situation and ensure that the necessary measures are being taken.