Dumped garbage and choked drain in Rajabagicha. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, March 29: Access to basic civic amenities has remained a distant dream for the residents of Rajabagicha area in the Silver City.

Lack of initiatives on part of the civic authorities to improve the living condition has affected the lives of hundreds of residents here.

According to the residents of Rajabagicha, which falls in ward No. 24 of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), the municipality makes no efforts to keep the area clean.

“One can find heaps of garbage scattered along the roadsides and at other places in the locality. There is absolutely no initiative to clean up the area on a regular basis. As a result, it is hard to even stand by the roadsides where bad smell is emanating out of the piles of garbage,” said local resident Kartik Sarangi (45).

“Poor hygiene and sanitation is one of the major causes that spread of air and water borne diseases here. Both the authorities and the local residents should have actually put in more efforts to maintain healthy environment here,” Sarangi added.

Apart from sanitation, deteriorating condition of roads and drainage system is another issue of concern for the residents.

“No step has been taken towards repairing and maintaining the roads from City College up to Bamphi Sahi and Tala Telenga Bazar. These roads are all in a bad shape. Apart from this, the drainage system is also collapsing because of lack of measures taken for removal of silt and repairs,” said Niranjan Barik, another local resident.

Many culverts here have reduced to pieces because of lack of maintenance. The narrow drains of the locality are also choked with garbage, creating problem in the passage of wastewater here.

Local councillor Bijay Ranjan Behera has admitted the problems faced by the residents of the area.

“Though we try to maintain sanitation and hygiene in the ward on a priority basis, we have at times failed to do so for lack of manpower,” he said.

According to Behera, at present 24 sanitary staffs, including sweepers, are working for the entire ward. But the manpower of 24 for a ward, which has a population of over 10,000, is not sufficient.

“We have asked the authorities and the health officer to provide additional staffs so that civic problems could be solved at the earliest. Moreover, steps are being taken for the repair of roads and drains. The repair works are expected to begin soon,” the councillor added.