Dharmendra Pradhan Chairs High-Level Virtual Meeting to Find Permanent Solution to Sambalpur's Waterlogging Problem

Sambalpur, Jul 31: Amid recurring waterlogging and flood concerns triggered by heavy rainfall, Sambalpur MP and former Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday chaired a high-level virtual meeting to discuss permanent measures for tackling the city's drainage and urban infrastructure challenges.

Odisha Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water and Rural Development Minister Rabi Narayan Naik also participated in the meeting.

Permanent Solution To Waterlogging Stressed
Addressing the meeting, Pradhan said freeing Sambalpur from the recurring problem of urban flooding and waterlogging should remain the top priority. He said every practical suggestion put forward by the district administration, technical experts and civil society would be considered for immediate implementation.

He also directed that every major step taken by the Sambalpur Municipal Commissioner, along with emergency advisories, should be placed in the public domain to keep residents informed during adverse weather conditions.

Blueprint Sought For Key Civic Issues
Pradhan called for a comprehensive and strategic blueprint to address the city's four major civic challenges -- drainage, sewerage, drinking water supply and solid waste management.

He stressed that blocked drains should be cleared on a war footing using JCBs, bulldozers and other machinery to ensure the quick discharge of rainwater during emergencies.

The MP also emphasised uninterrupted supply of safe drinking water to every household during waterlogging and flood situations.

Citizens Urged To Join Cleanliness Drive
Stating that the solution cannot rely solely on government intervention, Pradhan urged citizens, voluntary organisations and social groups to actively participate in keeping drains clean and preventing indiscriminate dumping of waste.

He said cleanliness should evolve into a people's movement to ensure long-term relief from urban flooding.

Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan Meets CM Majhi, Senior BJP Leaders to Discuss Odisha’s Developmental Roadmap

Administration Outlines Ongoing Measures
Officials of the Sambalpur district administration informed the meeting that high-capacity temporary pump sets are being installed in low-lying areas to accelerate water drainage.

They said desilting of major drains is underway and obstructions affecting the natural flow of water are being removed on priority.

Representatives of leading voluntary organisations and members of civil society also participated in the meeting and shared ground-level concerns regarding low-lying areas, drainage conditions and urban infrastructure, besides offering suggestions for long-term improvements.

Minister Joins Deliberations
Odisha Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water and Rural Development Minister Rabi Narayan Naik attended the meeting and shared his views on strengthening civic infrastructure and improving flood preparedness in Sambalpur.