Overflowing and choked (top) drains at Mehendipir in Cuttack. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, March 25: Blame it on the callous attitude of the civic authorities, residents of many areas of the city are now having harrowing time because of poor sanitation.

The overall sanitation measures in most of the localities, including Mehendipir area, are in a shambles. “No step has been taken to restore the drainage system that has collapsed in the area,” allege the residents of Mehendipir.

“No measure to clean the area has been undertaken by the authorities. One can find heaps of garbage dumped on roadsides as the number of dustbins or identified dumping zones in the area are far less than adequate,” said Abdul Qasim Khan (31), a local resident.

Most of the drains of Mehendipir are clogged, creating problems in the passage of wastewater. “The main drains here are clogged and the branch stormwater channels are unable to carry wastewater from the locality. As a result, most of the smaller drains overflow, causing health hazards for the local residents,” said Imtiyaz Khan (28), another local resident.

According to Imtiyaz, people throw their household waste, including polythene bags, in the drains. As a result, the drains get clogged as the authorities do not take steps for regular removal of silt from the water channels.

Mehendipir area falls in ward No. 11 of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC). It is one of the oldest localities of the city.

Residents of the area feel that urgent steps need to be taken for desiltation of drains and removal of garbage to avoid waterlogging during the monsoon.

Apart from sanitation and drainage, inadequate drinking water facility is another issue of concern for the residents as most of the tubewells here lie defunct. The roads here are also in bad shape because of lack of measures taken for its maintenance.

Local councillor Hemant Behera admitted that there are many problems in the ward that demands urgent attention.

“We are aware of the problems and are taking steps to solve the grievances of the residents,” said Behera.

The work for desiltation is expected to begin shortly and steps will also be taken to repair the drainage systems that have become obsolete in the area.

“Apart from this, adequate measures are being taken to maintain sanitation in the area. We also urge the residents to try to keep their respective areas clean and dump their household waste in allotted dustbins which can be easily removed and disposed,” the councillor added.