A waterlogged Mahatab Road in Cuttack. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Sept. 30: The formation of a low pressure over the Bay and Bengal and a heavy rainfall warning by the meteorological department have instilled fear among residents of several low-lying areas in the city.

The areas had remained waterlogged for several hours following heavy rain yesterday night and the wastewater receded from the localities today.

An official of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation said obstruction in the drainage channels due to ongoing construction under the Japan Integrated Co-operation Agency project had led to the problem in discharge of rainwater.

“The civic body is carrying out drain renovation and road repair at various wards ahead of Dusshera. Since most of the tertiary drains are dug up, there have been problems in discharge of wastewater into the main drain,” said Pithapur resident Jaya Pradhan.

In July, 100mm of rainfall within 48 hours had caused inundation in several localities.

“We had asked the agency to get the drainage and sewer projects done after rains. The ongoing construction has obstructed the drainage channel, leading to waterlogging,” said mayor Saumendra Ghose.

Ghose, however, said the corporation had deployed 98 motor pumps in many areas to ensure smooth discharge of rainwater keeping in view the rain forecast.

“It appears that there is no co-ordination between the corporation and the agency officials. Ultimately it is the people who remain the sufferers as the authorities have failed to resolve the waterlogging problem,” said Buxi Bazar resident Rakesh Mohanty.

A corporation official said the agency officials would be asked to ensure that there was no obstruction of drainage channels while carrying out any construction related to the Integrated Drainage and Sewerage project.

Yesterday, several localities, including Pithapur New Colony, Nua Sahi, Tarachand Patna, Jhola Sahi, Nandi Sahi, Kathagoda Sahi, Managalabag, Badambadi, Naya Bazar and Sikharpur got waterlogged following a heavy rainfall that lasted almost three hours.

“It is hopeless that the civic body is taking no step to check waterlogging,” said Sutahaat resident Sadiq Khan.

Khan said the water receded from Sutahat and other areas, including Pithapur, around 10am today.