Bhubaneswar, July 11: The integrated sewerage system work in the city is getting delayed. But, as criticism mounts, the stakeholders engaged in executing the system are pointing fingers at each other.

Sources said the delay had been on account of several factors. While issues such as, encroachment removal, unauthorised construction along roads, land acquisition and granting of permission for laying sewer, have been taking time, granting permission for vehicles bringing in construction materials to engage in the work has also been an obstructing factor.

Many councillors of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) have protested against the style of functioning of the Orissa water supply and sewerage board and the way the roads are being dug up and left without proper sand-filling.

A sewerage board officer said the vehicles bringing in construction materials were not granted permission to operate during daytime at many localities. However, at a meeting held on July 14, 2009, the chief secretary said these vehicles should be accorded permission.

“Some delays are made by local people and some by the councillors. The laying of sewerage pipeline near the Jagannath Ashram on Tankapani road has been delayed due to local interference coupled with the councillors’ request that work should be done the way they want to. On the other hand, the road is to be widened by the public works department and they are waiting for us to complete the sewerage work,” an officer said.

Chairman of the Ekamra Vikash Manch, Rashmi Mohapatra said the roads in localities such as Kedargouri, Dumduma, Lingaraj Nagar, Mahatab road, Bhimtangi, Sriramnagar, Kapileswar, Sundarpada, Nuagaon, Nageswar Tangi and Brahmeswar Patna had been lying damaged following the sewerage work.

Project engineer of the sewerage board B.K. Parida said issues such as eviction of encroachment at Palaspalli, Satyanagar burial ground, the unauthorised construction near Garage Square to Samantarapur and along the road from Dumduma autorickshaw stand to Sarkantarapur, needs immediate attention from the Bhubaneswar Development Authority and BMC, respectively.

Land acquisition has also become a major stumbling block. Out of the requirement of 184.5 acres, only 35.3 acres are available.

The process is extremely slow and has adversely affected implementation of the project.

“Advance possession of land should be given by the revenue authorities for an early execution of the project,” said another assistant engineer.

The sewerage board has sought permission from the authorities of NH-203 and NH-5 at seven and four places, respectively, where for the first time in Orissa, trench-less technology would be used for laying the sewer. But, the authorities are yet to give permission. In this new method, there will be no damage to the structure, as the sewer will automatically cross the stretch through a tunnelling method.

Similarly, permission from the water resources department for laying of sewer across Daya West Canal and near the railway track at four locations is also pending.

The integrated sewerage system will ensure that there is no more pollution in waterbodies such as Daya river, Kuakhai river and Gangua nullah.

Ground water will be safer, which, in a way, would ensure lesser water borne diseases in areas not covered by pipe water supply.

Water generated after treatment can be used for gardening or agriculture. Treatment plants can also generate electricity to save their electricity bill.

“But, the 2014 target might be delayed if the all the stakeholders do not understand the urgency of the project. It will cleanse the sanitation system in the city,” said Parida.