(Top) The broken sewerage tank, and (above) a choked drain at Thoria Sahi in Cuttack. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Jan. 27: For the residents of Thoria Sahi, better drainage system has always remained a distant dream.

Like in many other parts of Cuttack, better sanitation and other civic amenities continue to be a major issue of concern for residents here.

Most of the drains in Thoria Sahi frequently overflow. At some places, the existing drainage channels are in a dilapidated condition.

“The drains of this locality are at a lower level than the main channel drain. As silt and garbage are not removed, the drains regularly overflow at many places. This creates an unhygienic atmosphere in the area,” said local resident Sachidanand Mohanty (46).

Apart from overflowing drains, the broken down sewerage tank of a public toilet has become a major headache for residents of Thoria Sahi. The tank has not been repaired in the past few months, so that sewerage water from the tank is directly released into the drain, polluting the entire area.

“It is hard to step out of our homes, the odour of the sewer water is so bad. Though we have brought the matter to the notice of the civic authorities concerned, they have not taken any steps to repair the tank so far,” said another local resident Bansidhar Mohanty.

There is no proper underground sewerage at Thoria Sahi — an area that holds religious importance as a number of temples are located here.

Though there is a spot that has been identified for dumping and collecting garbage, many people and business establishments throw waste on to the roads creating unhygienic conditions.

“There have been a lot of development activities including construction of better roads. But the main problems of the local people have not been addressed; the drainage system has nearly collapsed here. Traffic congestion is also a problem here as the area acts as a thoroughfare between Manglabag area where the S.C.B. Medical College and Hospital is located,” said advocate R.D. Nayak.

Local councillor Mohammad Ayub has admitted that the delay in the repair of the sewerage tank of the public toilet is causing problems for the residents.

“The residents had brought the matter to our notice and steps are being taken to repair the tank. A boundary wall along the sewerage tank will also be constructed. A sum of Rs 2 lakh has already been sanctioned for the project,” said the councillor.

At present, 27 sweepers and other sanitary staff are engaged in maintaining sanitation in Thoria Sahi, which falls inward no. 29. The ward has a population of around 7,000.

The sweepers clean roads and drains every alternative day in the ward. “We are taking adequate steps to solve the grievances of the people,” Ayub added.