Sambalpur: SMC Takes Action Against Encroachments; 5 Shops Demolished from Shantinagar Drain Area
Sambalpur: Five shops built over a drain on Shantinagar Road were demolished in Sambalpur. Beginning around 10:30 a.m., a bulldozer removed several shops, including egg stalls, snack shops, small mobile shops, and a chicken shop. Officials say this is only the start, and more areas of the city will be cleared of illegal encroachments. Sushant Sahu, an enforcement officer, stated that the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) is currently prioritizing the removal of these illegal structures from drains.
Drone Survey for Drainage Master Plan
For the first time, Sambalpur is developing a dedicated Drainage Master Plan. Several departments, including the SDA (Sambalpur Development Authority), Irrigation, and Water Supply, are providing data during the initial phase. This includes gathering information about water drainage systems, average rainfall, and how water overflows during the rainy season. The survey aims to understand the city’s current drainage infrastructure.
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Areas Covered in the Survey
Our team has completed the digital and drone survey in Ward numbers 11, 12, 18, 22, 25, 26, 38, 39, and 40, as well as key drainage areas like Dhobijor, Tangna Nala, and Haradajor. We are currently conducting drone surveys in other wards. Additionally, we have assessed the drainage system in 20 wards out of a total of 40.
Feedback from Residents
Meanwhile, in 17 wards, including Wards 14 to 26, SMC representatives and those working on the Drainage Master Plan have been gathering information from local residents. Residents expressed their concerns, stating that blockages and illegal constructions over drains cause severe flooding during the rainy season. In some places, large buildings, market complexes, and even nursing homes have been built over drains, leading to public dissatisfaction.
SMC’s Action Against Encroachments
To address this issue, SMC is currently focusing on removing illegal structures built over the city’s drainage system. The SMC team has urged residents living in areas with illegal shops or houses built on top of drains to remove them voluntarily. During the recent demolition in Shantinagar, a large hoarding in front of the army recruitment office was taken down.
