Bhubaneswar: Residents have expressed apprehension over uncovered drains and manholes in the city, which pose a significant hazard to public safety, and urged Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) to address the issue promptly.
The issue gained prominence after a six-year-old boy was swept away by floodwaters in an uncovered drain in Unit III area last month.In response, BMC initiated aggressive measures, resolving to identify vulnerable areas and installing fencing along uncovered drains to prevent any further accident in the future.
However, nearly a month after the death, many drains across the city remain uncovered, residents alleged. “Irrespective of their size, all drains should be properly covered. The civic body must not underestimate the gravity of the issue,” said Bikram Jena, a resident of Unit III.
BMC mayor Sulochana Das said all the major drains have been identified across the city, and temporary bamboo fencing has been installed to prevent any accident.
“We acknowledge the potential hazards associated with uncovered drains. Swift action has been taken to fence them accordingly, and the work has been completed. Smaller drains do not require fencing as they do not pose any significant danger,” she said.
Officials said the city has a network of 11 large natural drainage channels originating from various locations and ultimately discharging into the Gangua nullah on the city outskirts. Most of these drains have been fenced, they said.
“Drains should be fenced permanently with grills rather than bamboo poles. During heavy rain, the bamboo poles could break easily. Lives are at stake and the civic body should act promptly to cover open drains and manholes,” Dinabandhu Hota, a resident of Patia, said.

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