Heavy deposit of silt creates problems in smooth flow of traffic on RausapatnaRoad in Cuttack. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, May 15: The clearing of silt from a number of drains by Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) is affecting traffic in the city. This comes at a time when the traffic here is already reeling from bad road conditions and lack of traffic policemen.

The problem has assumed serious proportions at Rausapatna Road that acts a connecting link between Sayed Seminary Chhak, Kesharpur, Buxi Bazar and Mangalabag areas.

The work for removal of silt from the branch storm water channel, which meets the main storm water channel No.1 began at Rausapatna on Friday.

A large amount of silt cleared from the drains has now been deposited on the road and this has been creating problems for local residents and commuters for the last days.

“Not only is the silt creating problems, but the stench is also unbearable,” said Prasad Rao (42), a local resident.

Hundreds of commuters depend on the Rausapatna Road that acts as shortcut between a number of vital destinations including Mangalabag, Kesharpur, Buxi Bazar and other areas.

“Though the removal of silt is essential keeping in view the waterlogging issues in many parts in the city, CMC officials should also try to ensure that silt is not left on road for days,” said Mohammad Shamim (45), a commuter.

According to many residents, the clearance of silt and its subsequent removal should be done during the night just as it is done in other metros of the country.

This will not only solve the issue of traffic but at the same time can ensure a quick disposal of the silt.

“We have to wait for more than 15 minutes to pass through this area as a major portion of the road is covered with dirty silt. Until the vehicles from other side pass through, there is no chance for us to travel to the other side,” said Dipak Sethi (29), another commuter.

Traffic officials also admitted that the unplanned removal of silt from major drains is causing problems in the smooth flow of traffic.

However, the CMC officials said that the annual desiltation programme has almost been completed in all the wards of the city. Works for desilting the major drains has just begun and is expected to be completed before the onset of monsoon.

“Usually, the silt is removed from the road within two days as we cannot remove the silt while it is wet,” said a CMC official.

Moreover, as we have to keep the silt for the physicial verification by a committee constituted by the high court as well as a CMC committee to ensure that siltation is enough or whether more siltation is required, there is a delay. However, the entire silt deposit is removed within two days, the official added.