Infrastructure – Petanala Drainage Renovation in Cuttack Stalled as Residents Raise Concerns

Infrastructure –  Residents of the CDA locality in Cuttack are increasingly expressing concern over the prolonged halt in the renovation of the Petanala drainage channel. The project, which was initiated to improve drainage and sanitation conditions in the area, has remained inactive for nearly two years as the revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) awaits approval from the state government.

Project initiated after repeated public demands

The renovation of Petanala was launched by the Cuttack Development Authority following persistent requests from residents living in the surrounding sectors. The drainage channel stretches for more than 3.3 kilometres, running from Sector 10 to Sector 1 through the Bidanasi project area. Authorities had originally planned to begin work on the project in April 2023 with a timeline extending to December 2026 for its completion.

In the initial stage, the previous state administration sanctioned approximately Rs 36 crore to carry out the first phase of the project. This stage included clearing vegetation, removing accumulated silt from the channel and building guard walls about two metres high on both sides of the drain along a stretch of nearly 1,200 metres.

First phase completed before general elections

Officials confirmed that the first phase of renovation was completed ahead of the 2024 general elections. After finishing the preliminary work, the drainage division began preparing plans for the second phase of the project.

The proposed second phase includes construction of five bridges along the channel and the installation of protective guard walls along the remaining stretch of approximately 2,100 metres. The cost of this phase has been estimated at around Rs 98 crore.

To move forward with the next stage, the Cuttack Development Authority prepared a revised DPR in early 2025 and forwarded it to the current state government for administrative approval.

Revised project plan still awaiting approval

According to the earlier timeline prepared by authorities, administrative clearance for the revised DPR was expected by September 2025. Following that, the tendering process and allocation of the work order were planned to be completed by December 2025. The overall deadline for finishing the remaining work was projected to be December 2027.

However, more than a year has passed without any notable progress on the proposal. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the revised DPR has yet to receive technical approval, which has prevented authorities from restarting work on the remaining portion of the project.

Neglected drainage channel creating sanitation concerns

With construction activity halted, the Petanala drainage channel has reportedly been left unattended for months. Residents say weeds have grown extensively in the drain while silt continues to accumulate along several sections of the channel.

Locals claim that the neglected condition of the drainage system has begun affecting the surrounding environment, making the area appear unclean and raising worries about sanitation and water flow, especially during the monsoon season.

Local organisation stages protest

Public frustration over the delay has also led to civic action. Recently, a social organisation based in the city organised a demonstration to draw attention to the stalled renovation work. Participants urged authorities to expedite approval of the revised project plan and restart construction as soon as possible.

Community members say the drainage upgrade is essential for improving water flow and preventing flooding in the locality, particularly in low-lying residential zones that often face waterlogging.

Legislator raises issue in state assembly

Barabati-Cuttack MLA Sofia Firdous said she has repeatedly raised the matter in the state assembly, pressing the government to accelerate the approval process for the revised project report. According to her, the delay is affecting residents who were expecting improvements in local drainage infrastructure.

Attempts to reach CDA vice-chairperson Kirandeep Kaur Sahota for comments on the current status of the project were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

Residents now hope that the pending technical clearance will be granted soon so that the long-delayed renovation of Petanala can resume and the drainage system can be restored to proper functioning.