The waterlogged Khatbin Sahi Road in Cuttack. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, March 22: Local residents and commuters had a harrowing time at the waterlogged Khatbin Sahi Road today as the civic authorities continued with their work for removal of silt from the local drains.

Residents of Khatbin Sahi allege that a proper drainage system has always remained a distant dream for them. The civic authorities have taken no steps to improve the drainage channels of the area.

“Though work for removal of silt was initiated in the locality a couple of days ago, the road was left waterlogged as the workers had blocked a portion of the drain. As a result, drain water started to overflow on the streets causing inconvenience to the residents. The de-siltation works completed only in the evening,” said Sarat Mishra (37), local resident.

Khatbin Sahi, which falls in ward No. 11 of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), is one of the oldest localities of the city.

The narrow drains of the locality are interconnected with the branch stormwater channel and the main stormwater channel No.1 that originates from Srivihar Colony in Tulsipur. However, most of the drains here are clogged as no step has been taken for removal of silt on a regular basis.

“Most of the major drains here are cleaned only twice every year. As a result, there is a heavy deposit of silt which creates problems in the smooth discharge of wastewater from the locality,” said Jhuman Khan (41), another local resident.

Many residents and commuters faced difficulties today due to the waterlogging in the area.

“It is surprising that instead of initiating measures for passage of wastewater, the authorities have blocked the drain which caused waterlogging on the road that acts as a thoroughfare between Kazi Bazar, Sutahat and Chandi Mandir Square,” said Tukuna Behera (41), a commuter.

On the other hand, local councillor Hemanat Behera informed that the work for removal of silt from the drain has been completed and things will be normal soon.

“Usually, the drain is first blocked and embankments are then created for the removal of silt. However, these works normally cause some temporary inconvenience and people should bear with it. Things will, however, be normal soon as the de-siltation work has been completed today,” said Behera.

“Adequate steps are being taken to maintain sanitation in the area. Road and drain repair works in other parts of the ward would also be initiated soon,” the councillor added.