Continuous rainfall has severely disrupted normal life in the Odisha capital, with several low-lying areas on the city’s outskirts submerged under rainwater. Residents of Hanspal, Haridaspur, Millennium City, and GGP Colony are struggling with severe waterlogging, exposing persistent drainage and urban infrastructure issues.

Roads in many localities were inundated with knee-deep water, while rainwater entered several houses, reaching waist level in some areas. The flooding has left residents stranded inside their homes and made daily commuting extremely difficult. The situation has sparked widespread public anger against the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), with many questioning the city’s preparedness to handle even moderate rainfall.

The worst-hit areas include Tarini Basti and Jagannath Basti under GGP Colony in the Laxmisagar police station limits, where waterlogging has created near-flood conditions. Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh visited the affected settlements, interacted with residents, assessed the situation, and distributed dry food to families impacted by the flooding.

Residents say many people invested their lifetime savings to build homes in Bhubaneswar, expecting better civic infrastructure, including proper roads, drainage, and essential public services. However, every spell of heavy rain brings the same ordeal, forcing people to endure waterlogged streets, flooded homes, and disrupted daily life.

Locals have alleged that inadequate drainage infrastructure and poor maintenance by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation are the primary reasons behind the recurring flooding. They claim damaged roads, clogged drains, and delayed civic response have worsened the situation, while repeated assurances from authorities have failed to translate into lasting solutions.

The recurring waterlogging has once again raised serious concerns over the effectiveness of Bhubaneswar’s urban planning and drainage master plan. As residents continue to grapple with flooded neighbourhoods, questions are being raised about when the city’s drainage infrastructure will be upgraded and whether authorities can provide a permanent solution to the annual monsoon crisis.

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