Bhubaneswar, May 9: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to halt all excavation and road-cutting works during the monsoon season to prevent waterlogging and disruption in the city. Agencies violating the directive will face double penalties, while security deposits may also be forfeited if required.

The decision was taken during a high-level preparedness meeting held at the BMC office ahead of the arrival of monsoon. The meeting was chaired by Mayor Sulochana Das and attended by BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana along with senior officials of various departments.

The civic body has directed officials to expedite drain desilting work across the city and ensure that sludge dumped on roads is cleared within 24 hours. The Mayor instructed departments to complete all drain-cleaning operations before the onset of rains.

Officials were also asked to trim tree branches encroaching on roads and drains, with the Fire Services department extending support for the operation. During the meeting, corporators raised concerns over WATCO allegedly leaving desilted sludge unattended on roads after drain-cleaning work.

To protect drainage infrastructure, the BMC has imposed restrictions on plantation near drains. House owners found planting trees along drain embankments will be issued notices.

Commissioner Chanchal Rana further directed immediate repair of damaged drains, installation of slabs over uncovered drains before monsoon, and barricading of vulnerable spots to prevent accidents. He also instructed WATCO, TPCODL, and other agencies not to undertake excavation work in waterlogging-prone areas during the rainy season.

Additional Commissioner Kailash Chandra Das, Chief Finance Officer Deepak Ranjan Behera, Regional Commissioner Asani A.L., Health and Sanitation Standing Committee Chairman Biranchi Narayan Mahasupakar, and corporators from various wards were present at the meeting.