A damaged drain in Bardhwan and (left) an electric pole in the middle of a road creates problems for residents and commuters. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Nov. 23: Better roads and drainage systems continue to remain a far cry for the residents of Bardhwan compound at College Square.

The area, which is located in the heart of the city and falls in ward No. 35 of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, has not witnessed any improvement in living conditions in the past few years.

“The condition of the roads at some places has deteriorated owing to lack of repairs in the last few years,” said Rajaram Jagodia, 66, a local resident.

Jagodia said bad road condition was creating problems for residents of Bardhwan compound, especially the senior citizens and the children. Though the road from College Square up to Ranihaat, Jobra and railway station is in good shape following repairs during Dussehra, no measure has been taken to repair other roads in the locality so far.

Similarly, most drains in the locality are also in bad shape as no measure has been initiated for their widening and repair. As a result, the retaining walls on either side of surface drains have collapsed at many places.

“Many portions of the drain have already collapsed, causing blockage of the drainage system. This has created problems in discharge of wastewater,” said Kailash Sahoo, another local resident.

Apart from this, an electric pole in the middle of a road inside the locality is also causing inconvenience to many residents. While some people believe it obstructs vehicular movement, many others feel that the electric pole acts as a speed-breaker and prevents the entry of heavy vehicles.

Senior citizens residing at the locality say that the place where the electric pole is installed, was earlier a pond. The pond was subsequently filled and some residential and commercial establishments came up at that place in the late 1980s.

Many commuters depend on the Bardhwan compound road to travel to railway station from Jobra and College Square regularly.

“As a regular commuter, I am aware of the electric pole on the middle of the road. However, other commuters need to be cautious as there is every possibility they might collide with the pole,” said Manoranjan Nayak, a commuter.

Local councillor Sriram Pandey said steps had already been taken for improvement of the existing infrastructure at the locality. “The electric pole has been erected to prevent the entry of trucks and other heavy vehicles. Steps would be taken to shift the pole. The tender process for the construction of drain and repair of the road has also been completed and the work is expected to begin soon,” said Pandey.