Rourkela: Koel Nagar sewerage system is being revamped in a phased manner while most of the manholes are being fixed and some troubling major underground pipes are being replaced, said sources. Altogether 80 chambers or manholes are being reconstructed. The chambers that are being reconstructed are in bad shape as they pose a threat to the lives of both human beings and stray animals. There had been instances wherein a fire brigade had to be called in to rescue small calves that accidentally fell into these open manholes. “The workers who entered the chambers to clear the choked drains refused to do so because of the condition of the chambers. They feared that the entire inside wall may cave in on them,” said Aunp Samal former councillor of Ward No-35.
Rourkela Municipal Corporation (RMC) is functioning without an elected body for the last eight years, ever since it was declared as a corporation. So, all complaints go to the former elected members who, keeping their political future in mind, try to address the issues. Koel Nagar boasts of having the first underground sewerage system in any housing colony of the state. This was constructed by Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) for its retiring employees. Currently, the underground pipelines are in dilapidated condition. Regular incidents of congestion in the drains during the monsoon and other seasons too are causing immense problems for the residents.
Keeping this in mind, these underground systems are being replaced with new ones in a phased manner. “At our request, the RMC has been kind enough to take up the reconstruction and repair job for the benefit of the residents,” Samal said. At present, tender for 17 individual lines has been floated and a work order has been issued. For A, D and E blocks eight pipelines are being replaced while in B and C blocks nine are in line. Of these, eight have been completed. JE RMC Bibhuti Tripathy, who is still in charge as his replacement is yet to take charge, said, “Of the 17 lines, eight have been completed. The rest will be completed soon as torrential rain is delaying the work.” The second phase of work will begin during winter, informed one official in RMC.
