Dumped garbage and an ill-maintained drain at Rajabagicha Labour Colony in Cuttack. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, April 13: Basic civic amenities remain a distant dream for many residents of the Millennium City.

Like any other locality, the residents of Rajabagicha Labour Colony, which falls in ward No. 25 of Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) and is located near Badambadi bus stand, are facing many problems because of lack of measures on part of the civic authorities for all round development of the area.

According to local residents, no measures have been undertaken to improve the living conditions of residents of the area that is situated in the heart of the city.

“No step is being taken to maintain sanitation in the locality, which does not have adequate dustbins. Similarly, no step is being taken for the removal of garbage from the area which can be found dumped for days on the roadside,” said Sirish Kumar Mohapatra (46).

Residents of the colony are also having a harrowing time because of increase in air and sound pollution.

“Everyday, hundreds of heavy vehicles, including buses, ply through the main road creating a lot of noise and air pollution. Usually, a thick layer of dust settles inside our houses for which we have to clean houses twice a day. We have to keep our windows shut during day time,” said Sradhanjali Sahoo (38), a homemaker.

Apart from this, another area of concern for the residents here is the sewerage system. As there are several problems due to waterlogging during monsoon, people here want better drainage facilities.

Moreover, most of the drains, as well as roads, are in bad shape.

“Most of the drains are collapsing because of lack of maintenance. Although, the sub-drains in the locality are connected with the area’s branch storm drain, there is lack of adequate measures to clean them. As a result, the drains get clogged and sewage water spills on the roads,” said Swarup Rath (47), another resident. He added that there had been a rise in the population of mosquitoes in the area because of unhygienic atmosphere and stagnant drain water.

On the other hand, despite several attempts local councillor Kedar Prusty could not be contacted. However, civic officials have informed that adequate steps are being taken to maintain sanitation in respective wards in the city.

“There are a number of proposals to maintain sanitation which include mechanised sweeping that is expected to be introduced shortly,” said an officer.

The work of cleaning major drains has begun in many areas and the work is expected to start at Rajabagicha Labour Colony soon, added the official.