A car wades through a waterlogged NH-5 near Iskon Temple in Bhubaneswar. 

Nayapalli residents on Wednesday blocked National Highway No. 5 for around half an hour demanding removal of encroachment on water drainage system that often triggers flood-like situation in the area even after a moderate rainfall.
Hundreds of residents staged a demonstration as the area was flooded after a brief spell of rain on Wednesday afternoon. 

“We have been demanding the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation to remove encroachment on the drainage system to facilitate evacuation of rain water. But they have not initiated a single step in this regard,” said Suman Biswal, a resident.
The residents also alleged that the situation would worsen as monsoon has just entered the state. 

“We are unable to get out of our houses though the rainfall was very lees. With monsoon is expected to be active for another two months, we fear that our area would submerge,” said Basant Panda.

Later, mayor Anant Narayan Jena reached the spot and held a discussion with the agitators. 

The blockade was lifted after Jena assured them of concrete efforts to remove encroachment. 

“We have made an elaborate plan for the entire city for evacuation of rain water and to ensure that flood-like situation do not occur in any places of the city,” said Jena.
    

Picture by Ashwinee Pati