The Orissa High Court recently made headlines by issuing stern orders against the Cuttack administration for its mishandling of the city’s infrastructure. On July 11, the court addressed concerns over the deteriorating condition of roads and drainage systems in Cuttack, a major city in Odisha. The situation has reached a point where both residents and authorities are frustrated, but the court’s involvement is ensuring that accountability is brought into the equation.
This article provides an in-depth look at the matter, explains the court’s directives, and discusses how these issues affect the lives of citizens. Moreover, it offers actionable insights on what can be done to address these concerns effectively.
Orissa High Court Slams Cuttack Administration
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Court Intervention | July 11, 2025 |
| Concern | Poor condition of roads and drainage systems in Cuttack |
| Court Directives | Submit detailed affidavits by July 31, 2025 for roads; file affidavits by July 21 for drainage concerns |
| Key Areas Affected | Khapuria, Gandarpur, Mahanadi Vihar, Ghatakula Chowk, Khannagar, Press Chowk, Nuapada |
| Budget for Drain Project | Rs 335.42 crore for the BSWC drain project |
| Timeline for Revised DPRs | July 25, 2025 |
| Further Hearings | August 7, 2025 |
| Source for Details | New Indian Express |
The intervention by the Orissa High Court underscores the urgency of addressing infrastructure issues in Cuttack. With roads that are quickly falling apart and a drainage system that needs an overhaul, the city’s administration faces immense pressure to make lasting improvements. The court’s directives offer a roadmap to bring about accountability and better planning in the city’s infrastructure development. It is crucial for both the authorities and contractors to take these issues seriously, not just for the sake of the court’s orders, but for the well-being and safety of the citizens of Cuttack.
The State of Roads in Cuttack: A Growing Concern
The deteriorating roads in Cuttack have become a significant point of concern for residents and commuters alike. On July 11, the Orissa High Court stepped in, highlighting the poor condition of roads across various parts of the city. From the bustling streets of Khapuria to the busy Ghatakula Chowk, the road infrastructure is in dire need of attention.
To make matters worse, even roads that were recently repaired have started showing signs of wear and tear. The court has flagged this as a clear indication of substandard work by contractors, resulting in roads that are not motorable. This is an issue that not only hampers the daily commute of thousands of citizens but also poses a safety risk. In some areas, the condition of the roads is so bad that it feels like driving over a rugged terrain, despite previous attempts at repair.
Why is this Happening?
Several factors contribute to the poor state of roads in Cuttack. For starters, there is a lack of accountability when it comes to monitoring the quality of work done by contractors. The court’s investigation into the matter found that the contractors responsible for the repairs were not following standard construction practices. Moreover, inadequate supervision and the lack of enforcement of maintenance responsibilities have led to roads becoming impassable after just a short period.
One of the key aspects that the court pointed out is the contractual obligation of contractors to maintain roads after construction. However, this clause is often ignored, and no serious action is taken against those who fail to meet these responsibilities.
Action Taken by the Court
The Orissa High Court’s intervention has been a wake-up call for local authorities. The court has ordered the Chief Engineer of the Roads and Buildings (R&B) division and the City Engineer of Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) to submit detailed affidavits. These affidavits are due by July 31, 2025, and should provide comprehensive information about the state of the roads, timelines for repairs, and any actions taken against negligent contractors.
The court has also stressed the need for strong enforcement of the contractual clauses that hold contractors accountable for maintaining the roads in good condition. This is a significant step toward improving the infrastructure of Cuttack, as it holds contractors and authorities to account for the quality of their work.
The Drainage Problem: A Pressing Issue
While the roads in Cuttack are facing scrutiny, the state of the city’s drainage system is also under the microscope. The Orissa High Court recently criticized the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) for its handling of the Rs 335.42 crore Branch Surface Water Channel (BSWC) drain project. This project is supposed to address the long-standing issue of poor drainage in the city, but the court has raised concerns over the lack of proper documentation and project planning.
The CMC submitted unauthenticated Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), which the court found problematic. Without proper attribution to officials and without expert review, the plans for the drainage system are at risk of being poorly executed. The court was particularly alarmed by the involvement of a Bhubaneswar-based private consultancy firm that represented the CMC city engineer without formal authorization.
What Needs to Change?
The situation calls for a more organized and transparent approach to infrastructure development. For starters, all project plans should be thoroughly reviewed by independent experts. In this case, the court had previously recommended consulting IIT Bhubaneswar for expert input, but this suggestion was ignored in favor of a private consultancy firm.
The court has ordered the CMC to revise the DPRs for the drainage project, and the revised reports are expected to be submitted by July 25, 2025. In addition, the court has directed the Housing and Urban Development Department and the CMC to file affidavits by July 21, 2025, explaining why the private firm was involved in the project and whether any inquiry has been initiated.
The Broader Impact on Cuttack Residents
The poor state of roads and drains in Cuttack has a direct impact on the daily lives of its residents. Here are a few examples:
- Traffic Disruptions: Roads in disrepair lead to traffic bottlenecks, delays, and accidents. This not only wastes time but also puts the lives of commuters at risk.
- Health Hazards: Poor drainage systems lead to waterlogging, which can cause the spread of waterborne diseases like malaria and cholera. The standing water in drains becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes, further exacerbating health issues.
- Economic Losses: The state of roads affects businesses that rely on smooth transportation routes for their goods and services. Whether it’s retail, manufacturing, or logistics, delays and damages to goods can have a significant impact on the economy.
- Safety Concerns: With poorly maintained roads, accidents are more frequent. The risk of vehicle damage and personal injury is higher on roads that are riddled with potholes or uneven surfaces.
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FAQs
1. What is the current state of roads in Cuttack?
The roads in Cuttack are in poor condition, with many areas like Khapuria, Ghatakula Chowk, and Nuapada facing severe deterioration. Even recently repaired roads have become non-motorable, raising concerns about the quality of work done.
2. Why is the drainage system in Cuttack problematic?
The drainage system has been neglected for years, with improper planning and subpar project management. The Rs 335.42 crore BSWC drainage project has faced scrutiny for poor documentation and unauthorized involvement of private consultants.
3. How is the Orissa High Court addressing the issues?
The court has ordered the Cuttack Municipal Corporation and the Roads & Buildings Division to submit detailed affidavits outlining the state of roads and drains. It has also directed the revision of project reports and asked for a better plan for drainage management.
4. What actions can the local authorities take to improve infrastructure?
Local authorities need to ensure better quality control, enforce maintenance clauses in contractor agreements, and engage independent experts to review major infrastructure projects.
5. What is the timeline for addressing these issues?
The court has set deadlines for the submission of affidavits and revised project reports, with dates such as July 21 and July 25, 2025, being crucial milestones.
