Drainage project delay affects residents of Jeypore locality

Koraput: Residents of New Street in Jeypore are facing inconvenience due to the delay in completing a major drainage project along Jagannath Sagar.The 1,127m long and 5m wide drain, undertaken by the minor irrigation (MI) department, and costing around Rs 4 crore, remains incomplete nearly three years after work began in April 2023. Originally scheduled for completion within a year, the project’s slow progress has worsened living conditions in the area.Locals alleged that the incomplete drain has created unhygienic surroundings, with rainwater overflowing and entering homes. It has also led to a surge in mosquito menace, increasing health concerns. “Despite repeated appeals, no effective action has been taken. During the recent nor’wester, drain water flooded our homes,” said Sunil Nayak, a local resident.Officials claimed that nearly 80% of the project is finished. They attributed the delay to the ongoing construction of at least three culverts by the roads and buildings department at the drain’s tail end. This has temporarily blocked the flow, resulting in water overflowing during rains. “Efforts are underway to complete the remaining work at the earliest,” said Sudipta Rout, sub-divisional officer of MI department, Jeypore.