Post News Network
Cuttack, May 4: Residents of the millennium city have welcomed, albeit with a bit of scepticism, the decision of the Central government to include their city in the list of upcoming smart cities.
“Clogged drains, bad traffic, and congested by-lanes are just some of the numerous problems plaguing the city. It is good that a decision has been taken to make Cuttack a smart city but I hope it does not come a cropper like the numerous projects started in the city earlier,” said Amiya Behera, an engineer and resident of Station Bazaar.
Amiya’s views are echoed by Nishikant Mohapatra, a resident of the same area. “As a resident, I’m glad Cuttack will be developed into a smart city, but looking at the laidback attitude of civic authorities I don’t think change will happen anytime soon,” Nishikant said.
Recently, corporators in the city had expressed their ire at the desiltation of drains in the city, which is being undertaken by the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC). “Despite an order from the Orissa High Court to complete the work by May 31 every year, the CMC misses the deadline. This year will be no exception,” rued Dharmanand Patra, a corporator.
Patra is not the only corporator to allege lack of initiative on the part of CMC to desilt drains and make the city clean and safe for its residents. This shows the state of affairs in a city which is old and according to some locals, is a victim of lax attitude of officials.
“Even as a lot of stress is given to develop the capital city, the state of affairs in Cuttack has remained the same. Except CDA, where development has been impressive, the rest of the city still reels under congestion, overflowing drains and persistent risk of spread of infectious and water-borne diseases,” said Dr Abhinav Patra, a resident of Buxi Bazaar. He added that the state government should ensure that all the projects being undertaken in the city are completed on time and only then can one think of developing Cuttack as a smart city.
“We cannot depend on the Centre for everything. The process of change should start from home,” Dr Patra said.
