Sambalpur: Church Chowk Becomes Death Trap for Sambalpur Residents; Road Damaged due to Burst in Old Pipeline of 1970s
Traffic Hazard at Church Chowk
Sambalpur: The busy Church Chowk at Lakshmi Talkies-Ainthapali Road in Sambalpur has turned into a dangerous spot for city residents. Crossing the junction now takes at least three minutes due to congestion. The narrow road and the unexpected rise in vehicle numbers have significantly increased the risk of accidents.
Damaged Water Pipeline Worsens the Situation
A burst underground water supply pipe near the junction has made the situation worse. Water leakage has eroded the asphalt and soil, turning the road slippery and hazardous. Over 40 vehicles pass through the chowk every minute, with heavy traffic flow, especially from evening until the next morning around 8 AM. Large transport vehicles, including heavy trucks carrying more than 20 tons of goods, frequently pass through the congested overbridge area, worsening traffic conditions daily.
Repeated Pipe Bursts and Delays in Repairs
A few months ago, a similar pipeline burst occurred behind the church near the junction. The damage caused the road surface to lift and deteriorate while water continuously flowed onto the street. Though the authorities eventually repaired it, the problem has resurfaced. Currently, hundreds of liters of water continue to leak from the pipes, yet no permanent solution has been implemented, causing daily inconvenience and danger.
Online Sambalpur Is Now On WhatsApp!
Join us for the latest news updates delivered directly to your WhatsApp.
Subscribe Us On YouTube!
Join us for the latest news updates and video content delivered directly to you.
Authorities Aware but Action Delayed
The City Municipal Commissioner, Vedbhushan, acknowledged the problem, stating: “We are aware of the issue at Church Chowk. The underground pipeline laid in the 1970s is old and damaged in multiple places, leading to water leaks. A detailed plan for repairs has been prepared, and we are working to resolve the issue soon.“
Cracks on the Overbridge Add to the Risk
Large cracks have appeared on the Fatak Overbridge at the junction’s entrance. Despite the completion of the Lok Mahotsav festival, no maintenance work has started yet. Several key officials, including the RDC, District Magistrate, and Public Works Department (PWD) officers, frequently use this route but have yet to address the issue.
Urgent Action Required
Immediate attention and permanent solutions are crucial to avoid potential accidents and ensure smoother traffic flow at this critical junction. Residents are urging authorities to prioritize repairs without further delay.
