Box drain road turns into garbage dump, hits commuting

Cuttack: Dumping of garbage along the box drain road near Kesharpur Chowk here has given rise to unbearable stench and unhygienic conditions in the area making commuting difficult and life miserable.Locals have alleged that despite repeated complaints to the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), sanitation workers are regularly dumping garbage in the area resulting in the piling up of plastic, rotten vegetables, household garbage and construction debris.The situation has worsened over the past few weeks with stray animals feeding on the waste and littering the road causing inconvenience to pedestrians and motorists. “The entire stretch has become a mini dumping yard. It is impossible to walk due to the foul smell and filth,” said Mohammed Ayub, resident of Kesharpur.The box drain was created for free movement and congestion-free traffic but that aim has not been fulfilled. “Mosquitoes and flies have increased drastically. Children and elderly people are the worst sufferers,” said Ranjan Behera, another resident.Sushant Nayak, a shopkeeper, said sanitation vehicles frequently unload waste near the drain instead of transporting it to designated dumping points. “The waste remains unattended for days. Customers avoid coming to this area because of the unhygienic atmosphere,” he said. Nayak alleged that the clogged drains and scattered garbage often lead to waterlogging during the monsoon worsening traffic congestion around the busy locality.Contacted, CMC mayor Subhash Singh said “I have directed officials to inspect the spot and ensure regular lifting of garbage. Strict action will be taken if any sanitation worker is found dumping waste irresponsibly,” he said.