Bhubaneswar has been adjudged as one of the smart cities of the country. But we have been noticing how people are facing problems due to waterlogging. It seems such titles are confined to papers only...

I accept the criticism. The population of the city has grown like anything. Concrete structures have come up even at Salia Sahi, the biggest slum of the state, blocking drains. At the same time, you can notice the rapid growth of the city in every sphere in the last 10 years. Sometimes, we have noticed cloudbursts following which the existing drains failed to drain out rainwater. Keeping it in view, we are trying to develop the drainage system. The overflowing sewage is also causing problems for the common man. Even in Kerala where 98 per cent people are literate and everything is planned, such problems emerge following natural disasters.  

What is the solution? 

Now we are planning to conduct a new survey of the existing drainage system, its carrying capacity and  the quantum of wastewater coming from households. Once the survey is over, we will go ahead with raising the height and width of the existing drains. Besides, we are determined to remove all the encroachments on drains. We have already identified the vulnerable points where the drains have been choked or encroached upon. 
Notice has already been issued to the encroachers. In many cases, we have found that status quo orders have been issued by the court and we are unable to remove the encroachers. Now, we have also taken up the issue with the judiciary as well.  Besides, for improvement of the drainage system, we have planned to avail a loan of Rs 1,000 crore from the Urban Infrastructure Development Fund.

For the last few years, we have been noticing how the area near Iskcon Temple is  being submerged by rainwater. Even though you have taken the initiative to remove encroachment, the area still gets submerged whenever it rains…

We are aware of this. We are developing the drainage system there. Now we have planned to renovate the old haja (lake) by spending Rs 5 crore near Nayapalli. The water will be channelised to the haja. We will introduce boating facility there and make it a tourist spot. We are working on it.

Wherever you go in the state capital, all the roads have been dug up making the lives of the people miserable. When will you sort out this problem? 

A lot of effort is being made to make the city beautiful. All the cabling, power connection and gas pipe lines are going underground. You will get the result in the next three years. 

When the project is complete, emergency services will not be affected even if there is a tornado.  Please give some time to the authorities and have patience, you will get the desired result.

We have also noticed that due to lack of co-ordination between various agencies, the same road is being dug twice creating problems…

Accountability should be fixed. Roads and buildings, irrigation and other departments are working in the city. Once proper co-ordination is maintained, the work will be more effective.

Only a few days are left for the hockey world cup. What impression will the visitors  take back after seeing the city?

Just after the monsoon is over, we will expedite beautification. The four-laning of the main road from Sishu Bhavan to Vani Vihar will be completed. We are also trying to complete the work on patches from Master Canteen to Ram Mandir Square. We have divided  the city into smart districts and work is on accordingly. There will be wall painting, median development and we will also plant ornamental trees across the roads to give a soothing feelings to the guests. We have also hired four big machines for mechanical sweeping and a contract has been awarded to an expert contractor from outside the state to clean the road. The machines will clean the road in the night.  Just wait and see how we are 
progressing.

While the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation is facing problems due to encroachments, the state government has launched the " Jaga" scheme to provide land and houses to the slum-dwellers. Don't you find that both are contradictory in nature?

Naveen Patnaik has introduced the scheme keeping the need of the slum-dwellers in mind. We want to get them settled properly. We have already provided flats to a few thousands of people. Now, we have introduced a new concept to settle the slum dwellers through public-private partnership. According to the provision, we will provide government land to the private parties who will build apartments. 

They will give 70 to 80 per cent to the slum dwellers and the rest they can keep with them. On pilot basis, we have taken it up at Santipali near Mahisikhal  and Nilamadhaba Bastee near Chandrasekharpur BDA colonies. If we are successful, many projects will come up and the issue of slum dwellers will be addressed.

Dumping of garbage is turning into a major issue. When will the waste treatment plant at Bhuasuni come up?

The case is sub-judice. We are waiting for the National Green Tribunal (NGT)'s direction. Now, we are dumping the garbage behind Sainik School. Besides, we are planning to set up small garbage treatment plants with a capacity of 10 tonnes in various parts of the city.

Whose diktat is more visible in the functioning of the BMC - commissioner's or mayor’s?

We are working as a team. There is no question of any ego tussle between us. Had we not worked as a team, we would have failed to address the issues the city has encountered  this rainy season.

You have been the mayor of the city consecutively for two terms. Do you see yourself as an MLA next time? 

I am here because of our party president Naveen Patnaik's blessings. I am a disciplined soldier. Whatever responsibility he assigns me, I will discharge it

How is your equation with Ashok Panda, the minister who represents Bhubaneswar (Ekarma) Assembly? 

Very good.

The BJP is concentrating in the city. Even Congress has started regrouping itself. If the election is held early next year, how many seats the BJD is likely to win? 

In all the 67 wards. Now we have 65 wards, out of total 67. People have acknowledged the work of the Naveen Patnaik government.

Despite all the criticism against you, how have you managed to survive so far?

Because of my sheer dedication to the cause of the people. The party high command knows that I am working hard  round the clock. Perhaps that’s the reason why they have put their faith in me.