The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is encountering resistance from residents in Nayapalli over its proposed reconstruction of a peripheral drain along the service lane of National Highway 16 (NH-16) near the Iskcon Temple.
Locals express apprehensions that the project may exacerbate waterlogging issues in their neighborhoods during the upcoming monsoon season. Residents of Sabar Sahi, a low-lying area adjacent to the proposed drain site, argue that the new drainage system will redirect stormwater into their locality, leading to potential flooding. “The reconstruction of the drain will channel stormwater towards our homes, inundating them during heavy rains,” said a local resident. Another community member emphasized that addressing waterlogging in one area should not result in flooding another.
In response, NHAI officials assert that the project aims to alleviate long-standing waterlogging problems near the Iskcon Temple and along NH-16. They clarify that the stormwater will be directed through the new drain without affecting surrounding residential areas. “The project has been approved after consultations with the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), and the engineering division has inspected the site,” an NHAI official stated. City Mayor Sulochana Das acknowledged the concerns raised by residents and attributed them to misinformation. “We have engaged with local corporators to communicate the project’s benefits and address public apprehensions,” she remarked. The mayor assured that the new drainage system would ensure the smooth flow of stormwater to the nearby natural drainage channel, preventing waterlogging during rains.
The service lane of NH-16 near the Iskcon Temple has been a persistent waterlogging hotspot, with knee-deep water accumulation during heavy rains disrupting traffic and daily life. Previous attempts to mitigate the issue, including the construction of a connecting drain last year, have yielded limited success. The current project is part of a broader initiative by the state government to address waterlogging in 12 identified critical zones across the city. While the reconstruction of the drain near the Iskcon Temple aims to resolve longstanding drainage issues, the concerns of residents highlight the need for comprehensive planning and community engagement in urban infrastructure projects. Balancing developmental objectives with the well-being of local communities remains a critical challenge for urban planners and authorities in Bhubaneswar.
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