A massive search operation resumed on Sunday after a 35-year-old man went missing after allegedly being swept away in an open drain in Bhubaneswar during incessant rainfall triggered by a low-pressure system.

The search, which had to be suspended on Saturday night due to darkness and poor visibility, resumed early Sunday. Rescue teams are combing the drain stretch from Vani Vihar Square to the river outfall, with firefighters facing major challenges due to accumulated garbage, debris, and the strong flow of rainwater.

The missing man has been identified as Anil Sethi (35), a resident of Patharabandha Basti near Vani Vihar. He is reportedly a native of Ghatagaon in Keonjhar district.

Swept Away While Collecting Plastic Waste

According to preliminary information, Anil was collecting plastic waste near the drain when he accidentally slipped into the overflowing channel and was swept away by the powerful current.

The Mancheswar Fire Services team has been leading the rescue operation despite continuous rainfall and the dangerous water flow inside the drain.

Officials said the heavy current and large quantities of waste trapped inside the drain have made the search operation extremely difficult.

BMC Mayor Visits Spot

Following the incident, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mayor Sulochana Das visited the site to review the rescue efforts.

Speaking to reporters, the Mayor said that two people were present near the drain at the time of the incident.

“Two persons were there. While one was bathing, the other was swept away by the drain. The search operation is continuing,” she said.

Authorities are continuing efforts to trace the missing man as rescue personnel search the drain despite adverse weather conditions.

Heavy Rain Continues Across Odisha

The incident comes as Odisha continues to experience persistent rainfall under the influence of an active low-pressure system. Bhubaneswar, along with several districts across the state, has been witnessing continuous rain for the past three days, leading to waterlogging, overflowing drains, and disruptions to normal life.

Open Drains Remain a Major Safety Concern

The latest incident has once again highlighted the long-standing issue of uncovered drains in Bhubaneswar.

According to available records, at least seven people have lost their lives after falling into open drains in the city over the past 11 years. Areas such as Gadagada, Chudanga Vihar, Jayadev Vihar, Shatabdi Nagar, Malisahi, and Salia Sahi continue to have stretches of uncovered drains, posing a serious risk, particularly during the monsoon.

Despite repeated demands from residents and civil society groups to install protective concrete slabs over open drains, many vulnerable stretches remain uncovered. The recurring accidents have renewed concerns over urban infrastructure and public safety, with citizens urging the authorities to take immediate preventive measures before more lives are lost.