Drains full of garbage and waste in Kendrapara. Telegraph pictures

Kendrapara, Aug. 24: Clogged drains and a defunct sewerage have made life miserable for residents of Kendrapara.

With the onset of the monsoons, matters have gone from bad to worse. The drainage and sewerage is brimming with filth and waste, leading to health hazards in all the urban localities.

Open drains overflowing with filth have become a common sight. The sewerage discharge drains have turned into ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Residents in the municipality are finding it increasingly difficult to stave off mosquito bites, as sanitation measures on part of the civic body authorities has left much to be desired. “There has been complete a breakdown of sanitation measures. Garbage clogs the canal water and drains. Mosquitoes are virtually found everywhere after daybreak,” said Bijoy Kumar Das, a local resident.

Stormwater drains and the canal passing though the town are mostly choked with polythene, clogging the release of stagnant water. Worn-out tyres dumped by automobile shops are also a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

The majority of stormwater drains installed under the urban infrastructure development programme are on the verge of breakdown because of lack of maintenance. The structures have started developing cracks.

Partial collapse of the drainage network has occurred in Mahipal and Sanamangala, a local resident said.

Kendrapara Municipality chairman Dhirendra Kumar Sahu admitted that the drainage network was malfunctioning.

“The municipal administration is aware of problems faced by residents here. A drive is under way to streamline the urban sanitation system. We are falling short of funds. In certain places, there may be accumulation of stagnant water. Civic body authorities are inspecting these areas for smooth discharge of stagnant water,” he said.