H&UD secretary reviews urban flooding and water body development in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, May 24: In a move to address the challenges of urban flooding and to strengthen the sustainable management of water bodies in Bhubaneswar, Housing & Urban Development secretary Usha Padhee conducted an early morning site visit to Ganguanala and Daya West Canal areas under the jurisdiction of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA).

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She was accompanied by key officials including BMC Commissioner Rajesh Pravakar Patil, BDA Vice Chairman Dr. N. Thirumala Nayak, Additional Secretary Satrughan Kar, and senior engineers and planners from BMC and BDA.

The visit aimed to assess the condition of critical drainage channels and associated water bodies, which play a vital role in the city’s flood management system. Discussions were held on immediate and long-term measures for desilting, cleaning, and restoring the natural flow of these channels. The team also reviewed the encroachment issues, structural bottlenecks, and the need for integrated planning to enhance the water-carrying capacity and environmental value of these urban watercourses.

Padhee emphasized the importance of adopting a holistic approach that combines engineering solutions with ecological restoration and community engagement. She directed officials to prepare an action plan with specific timelines for intervention, ensuring that the efforts align with Bhubaneswar’s broader vision of becoming a flood-resilient and sustainable urban centre.