Sambalpur: Sambalpur to Receive First Drainage Master Plan; Survey and Consultations Underway

Introduction of the Master Plan

Sambalpur: For the first time, Sambalpur will receive a comprehensive Drainage Master Plan. To facilitate this, the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) has entered into an agreement with Sambalpur-based Ecomatrix Consultancy Private Limited. Preparations for the plan have already begun, with representatives of the firm inspecting the city’s current wastewater management system.

Ongoing Survey in Sensitive Areas

A survey is currently underway in Sambalpur’s flood-prone areas. Deputy Commissioner Shankar Sahu stated that the consultancy will soon hold meetings with local residents and intellectuals to gather historical information about the region.

Challenges and Key Areas of Focus

Sambalpur, which covers 353 square kilometers, is crossed by two major natural drains: Dhobijor and Tankanala. Other important waterways include Malti Jor, Mandalia Nala, and the Power Channel, all of which are critical for removing excess water from the city.

The 7-kilometer-long Dhobijor Nala originates near Gandamunda and flows through Kumbharpada before joining the Mahanadi River. Tankanala also meets Dhobijor at Kumbharpada. Several areas in Sambalpur have experienced persistent flooding over the years as a result of encroachments along these natural drains, earning Dhobijor Nala the nickname “Sambalpur’s Sorrow.”

Government Efforts and Persistent Problems

Although safety measures, such as protective walls along drains, have been implemented, they remain incomplete. Consequently, the flooding issue remains unresolved. Even today, when additional gates to the Hirakud Reservoir are opened or heavy rains fall, areas such as Bareipali, Thakurpada, and Dashamati Colony experience severe waterlogging.

Impact on Old City and Unplanned Urbanization

Sambalpur’s old city area continues to lack a Master Plan for housing and drainage development. Unchecked encroachment into natural drains, wetlands, and reservoir areas has resulted in the construction of apartments, market complexes, and houses, exacerbating the problem. Many areas, including Danipali, SRT, Pradhanpada, Jagannath Colony, Housing Board, Chandannagar, and Kumbharpada, are now prone to flooding as a result of both rainfall and poor drainage infrastructure.

Future Outlook and Expected Outcomes

Because of their proximity to the Mahanadi River, areas such as Kuluthkani and Charbati are prone to flooding. The Drainage Master Plan is expected to comprehensively address these issues. The plan is being developed with Sambalpur’s future population growth in mind, with the goal of preventing drainage failures like those seen in Bhubaneswar, where children have drowned in waterlogged areas.

Community Anticipation

With 41 wards and a population of 3.5 lakh families, there is widespread excitement about the completion of this Drainage Master Plan, which promises to alleviate the city’s chronic flooding problems and improve overall water management.