Three Days of Struggle, No Relief Yet
Sambalpur: Residents of Mahanadi Vihar in Sambalpur city are trapped in waterlogged conditions even without rainfall. This issue has persisted since Friday, creating unbearable challenges for the locals. Families stepping outside their homes are forced to wade through water, and driving vehicles has become nearly impossible.
Cause of Waterlogging
The situation arose because someone dumped soil at the canal water outlet, blocking the drainage. This caused water to accumulate around the area. Frustrated by the issue, the residents lodged complaints at the Ainthapali police station and also brought the matter to the attention of the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) Commissioner and the executive engineer of the irrigation department. However, no solutions have been implemented so far.
Expensive Homes, But No Basic Facilities
Residents, who have invested heavily in building houses in this well-connected colony, are now living in miserable conditions. On Friday night, the colony was suddenly submerged in water, leading many to assume it was due to rainfall. However, the absence of rain made the situation even more baffling.
Poor Drainage System Adds to Misery
Locals pointed out that despite the presence of concrete roads in the colony, there is no proper drainage system. Wastewater from homes has no outlet, and during the rainy season, this problem worsens. Last year, during heavy rains, waterlogging trapped the colony, and only after fire department intervention was the water drained. However, the current problem seems more complicated.
Blocked Canal Causes Trouble
A canal passes through the area, but due to soil being dumped in one particular spot, water cannot flow out. This blockage has worsened the waterlogging issue. Residents have repeatedly approached the administration for a solution, but no action has been taken yet.
The locals are now demanding immediate intervention to resolve the issue, as their daily lives continue to be disrupted by the ongoing waterlogging crisis.