Bhubaneswar: Even as the monsoon is expected to arrive early in Odisha this year, several open drains across Bhubaneswar have raised concerns over public safety and flooding. Every year, accidents involving uncovered drains claim lives in the capital city, especially during the rainy season. However, despite repeated incidents and public outrage, authorities are yet to complete protective measures.

According to official figures, Bhubaneswar has nearly 1,400 km of drains under the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), 360 km under the Works Department, 65 km under IDCO, and 34.5 km under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The city also has 11 major drainage channels stretching around 77 km.

The issue of waterlogging and open drains has repeatedly surfaced in the Odisha Assembly over the years. The government had assured to install slabs over drains and put up iron barricades around major drains wherever necessary. Yet, ground realities have largely remained unchanged.

A recent pre-monsoon preparedness meeting had stressed the completion of all drainage works and the installation of slabs before the onset of monsoon. Departments concerned were also instructed to finish pending work before the monsoon. However, several projects are still incomplete, while new works are continuing in many areas.

Drainage work on both sides of the road from Rasulgarh to Bomikhal and Laxmisagar began nearly six months ago, but remains unfinished. Fresh digging has now started again for further drain expansion, worsening traffic congestion and raising fears of severe inconvenience during rainfall.

Similarly, drainage work in the Rasulgarh industrial area, which also started around six months ago, is yet to be completed. Similar conditions prevail in Nayapalli, IRC Village, and several other parts of the city.

In the last ten years, more than 10 people have lost their lives after falling into open drains in Bhubaneswar.

Recently, 45-year-old Sinu Gagurai died after falling into an under-construction drain at Salia Sahi. In 2025, 35-year-old Shantanu Rout of Khandua slum lost his life in a similar incident. In 2024, a nine-year-old student, SK Rajesh from Unit-3 area, died after being swept away in a drain.

With the monsoon approaching fast, residents have demanded immediate completion of drainage projects, covering of open drains, and stricter safety measures to prevent further loss of lives.