Faces of ill-maintenance: Dumped garbage and choked drains on Baunsa Gali roadsides. Telegraph pictures

Cuttack, Jan. 21: Availing of proper civic amenities such as roads, sanitation and drinking water have become a distant dream for the residents of Baunsa Gali area in Cuttack.

Narrow lanes, dilapidated roads and buildings, poor sanitation and an overall unhygienic environment are common features in the area which falls under ward 15.

“Baunsa Gali has not witnessed any development in comparison to the nearby areas where a shopping mall has also come up recently. Residents of Baunsa Gali are forced to live in unhygienic conditions as no step is being taken by the civic authorities to maintain proper sanitation in the area,” said local resident Mohammad Aslam (42).

One can find heaps of garbage dumped along the roadsides, which ultimately falls into the drains causing blockage. As the culverts are not repaired regularly, the overflowing drains of the area cause problems not only to the residents but also other commuters.

“Though there is no waterlogging in the area, the stagnant water of the choked drains has given rise to mosquito menace in the area. The drains here also need immediate repair as the concrete structures over the drains are collapsing at most places,” Aslam added.

One of the oldest schools of the city, Peary Mohan Academy, is located in Baunsa Gali, which is mostly inhabited by the people of Telugu and Muslim communities.

“Lack of quality drinking water and inadequate electricity supply are also major issues of concern for the residents of this area. The civic authorities have made a lot of assurances, but in reality nothing has changed so far,” said local resident Y.V. Ramana Rao (49).

Rao, an adviser to the Andhra Gauri Telugu Society, also said that there are no public toilets in the area. The streetlights on many stretches of the roads also do not function, giving rise to anti-social activities in the area. He also complained of traffic congestion in the area.

On being contacted, local councillor Kalpana Bose said that steps are being taken to solve the grievances of the residents of the ward.

“There are adequate number of dustbins and sweepers are also engaged to clean up the area. Steps are being taken to ensure proper sanitation in the area,” she said.

She informed that a lot of developmental activities have been undertaken in the ward.

“Dustbins have been provided at prominent places and roads are being repaired. Siltation works, which have already started in some areas, would be done in every area of the ward. Steps would also be taken for all round development of the ward,” she added.