Trash on Cuttack artery spurs health risks & air pollution

Cuttack: Piles of garbage, plastic waste, food leftovers and construction debris line long portions of Cuttack’s busy arterial road connecting Sikharpur to Jobra.

The entire stretch has transformed into a dumping ground, exposing residents and commuters to foul stench and serious health risks. It runs adjacent to NH-16, witnessing acute traffic congestion carrying over 20,000 vehicles, including ambulances, school buses and office cars throughout the day.




Local residents allege that irregular garbage-lifting and lack of monitoring by civic authorities have aggravatyed the situation over the past few weeks.

“This road is one of the main lifelines of the city but the smell is unbearable, especially during afternoons. We are forced to shut our doors and windows,” said Ramesh Chandra Sahoo, a resident of Sikharpur. He added that stray animals frequently rummage through the waste, increasing the risk of accidents.

Commuters too expressed frustration over the deteriorating condition of the road. “It is embarrassing and dangerous at the same time. Two-wheelers skid because of scattered waste, and pedestrians are left with no space to walk,” said Rayashree Satyaranjan Nayak, a regular commuter who travels to Jobra daily for work.

Shopkeepers along the stretch claim that the garbage problem is affecting their business. “Customers avoid stopping here because of the filth. Despite repeated complaints, nothing has changed,” said Rabindra Behera, who runs a shop near the road.

“We have demanded a permanent solution, including daily cleaning, routine collection and strict enforcement of civic rules, warning that prolonged negligence could lead to outbreaks of disease in the area,” Subodh Pradhan, a resident of Sikharpur.

Cuttack mayor Subhash Singh said, “The matter has come to our notice. I have directed the sanitation wing to clear the garbage at the earliest and ensure regular lifting. Strict action will be taken against those found dumping waste illegally.”