(From top) Dumped garbage, a clogged drain, a damaged road and a broken drain at Dagarpada in Cuttack. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Feb. 13: The residents of Dagarpada area, which falls in ward no. 8 of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), have long been deprived of basic civic amenities, including better roads and drinking water facilities.

The roads here are in a dilapidated condition and potholes on either side have created problems for smooth flow of traffic in the area. Besides, narrow lanes and improper drainage system has made things miserable for the residents of Dagarpada.

The local drainage system has virtually collapsed, as most of the drains have not been cleaned for long. Most of the drains of this locality frequently overflow. The choked drains have also been breeding grounds of mosquitoes.

“There is no drainage system worth its name in the area. The drains and roads are situated at almost similar heights. As the drains are not being regularly cleaned, there has been a rise in the mosquito menace in the region,” said local resident Purshottam Patnaik (62).

“The drains here are collapsing at many points. These are in need of urgent repair works. The overflowing drains cause problems for the commuters as well as the residents,” said Manoj Kumar Jena (38), another local resident.

Dagarpada is a low-lying area and the residents of the area face a lot of difficulties due to waterlogging every monsoon.

Traffic congestion is another problem of Dagarpada, which is located close to Ring Road and the high court. The main road of the area acts as a thoroughfare between Kanika Square and high court via Dagarpada and Chandini Chowk.

Rise in the number of automobiles and town buses that frequently ply through the main road has also led to the increase in smoke and noise pollution, which is resulting in respiratory ailments in senior citizens and children of the area.

“Many residents like me have developed respiratory ailments because of the rise in the level of smoke pollution,” Patnaik added.

One can find heaps of garbage dumped on the roadsides as the sanitary staff and sweepers do not regularly clean up the area. The situation gets worse during national holidays and Sundays when the sweepers employed by the civic authority are not at all spotted in the area, Jena added. Though there is a dumping zone close to the main road, waste is not being removed from the area in time. The unhygienic environment has created health hazards for the residents of the area.

“Some developmental activities have been undertaken in the area. But, a lot more steps are needed to be taken to maintain sanitation in the area,” said Bijay Behera(37) another local resident.

Despite several attempts, local councillor Mamata Pani could not be contacted by The Telegraph. Sources in the CMC, however, informed that the efforts are on to improve the drainage system in the area and the work is expected to begin soon.