​​​​​​​Bhubaneswar, August 20: Odisha Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra has directed officials to intensify flood mitigation, drainage and sanitation measures in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, with emphasis on long-term and technology-driven solutions to recurring urban flooding.

The Minister issued the directions during a review meeting on sanitation, drainage and urban flood mitigation measures in the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) areas at the second-floor conference hall of UNNATI Bhawan.

Reviewing the flooding situation in the two cities, Dr. Mahapatra stressed the need for permanent solutions to waterlogging and directed officials to prepare and implement long-term plans rather than relying on temporary measures.

The Minister also set an ambitious target for BMC and CMC to secure the top position in the national Swachhata rankings. Referring to Bhubaneswar’s earlier achievement of ranking ninth in its category, he called upon both urban local bodies to adopt a mission-mode approach and intensify sanitation efforts to make the two cities Rank 1 in the forthcoming national Swachhata evaluations.

Focus on Drain Cleaning and Desilting

Addressing the challenges of waterlogging during heavy rainfall, Dr. Mahapatra directed concerned agencies to prioritise mechanised drain cleaning and systematic desilting.

Experts have identified narrowed drains and heavy silt accumulation of up to three to four feet at several locations. In view of this, the Minister directed authorities to deploy high-tech machinery for comprehensive drain cleaning and ensure that major drains are desilted at least three times a year to maintain their carrying capacity and reduce the risk of urban flooding.

He further called for technology-based flood preparedness, directing officials to install advanced flood sensors at strategic locations and integrate them with the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC).

The proposed system will enable real-time monitoring, help forecast possible inundation and facilitate timely alerts in vulnerable areas, allowing authorities to respond more quickly to flooding and minimise its impact.

Permanent Solutions to Waterlogging

Dr. Mahapatra reviewed several locations that have been facing recurring waterlogging and sanitation problems. He directed officials to expedite the ongoing drainage project near the ISKCON Temple to provide a permanent solution to persistent waterlogging in the area.

He also called for fast-tracking drainage interventions in Behera Sahi and strengthening integrated road-cum-drain infrastructure at other critical locations across Bhubaneswar.

The Minister also stressed the need for innovative and technology-based solutions to tackle persistent garbage accumulation and foul odour at identified locations, including the Sainik School area. He said sanitation efforts should move beyond routine cleaning and incorporate sustainable and technology-enabled measures to create cleaner, healthier and more liveable urban spaces.

Mission to Make Cities Cleaner

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Dr. Mahapatra said the government is committed to making Bhubaneswar and Cuttack among the cleanest and best-managed urban centres in the country.

He said the objective was not merely to improve rankings but to bring visible and sustainable improvements in sanitation, drainage and urban infrastructure.

The Minister directed both BMC and CMC to work with a clear mission to achieve the top position in the national Swachhata rankings through modern technology, effective monitoring and active citizen participation.

On urban flooding, he reiterated that recurring waterlogging must be addressed through permanent solutions, with emphasis on advance preparedness, regular desilting, mechanised drain cleaning and real-time monitoring.

Dr. Mahapatra directed all concerned agencies to work in close coordination, ensure timely completion of ongoing projects and adopt a proactive approach to sanitation and flood management. He emphasised that urban infrastructure should be strengthened with a clear focus on prevention, preparedness, rapid response and long-term solutions.

The meeting was attended by Special Secretary, H&UD-cum-Mission Director, SBM (Urban), Binay Kumar Dash; BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana; CMC Commissioner Kirandeep Kaur Sahota; Director, WATCO, Debabrata Mohanty; EIC, OWSSB, Bhagyadhar Mohanty; and other senior officials of the Housing & Urban Development Department and concerned agencies.