A master plan would be prepared for development of the drainage system in the city, informed Brahmapur Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Anjana Panda.
Due to the poor drainage system, several slum areas and city roads were submerged with floodwater during the Cyclone Phailin last year. An Odisha Disaster Response Force (ODRAF) team had been engaged to rescue people of the waterlogged areas. Even the entry points of the city had looked like lakes disrupting communication to the National Highway for two days.
Notably, the World Bank-assisted Odisha Disaster Recovery Project (ODRP) had given emphasis to improve urban infrastructure in Brahmapur after the Phailin.
The World Bank had stated that a project should focus on improving the living condition of the people living in the city with a better drainage system, better streets and street lighting, and access to improved water and sanitation services. Meanwhile, officials of the World Bank have visited the city several times and planned to open a project implementation unit. Sources said two Assistant Engineers have been appointed by the Government to look after the project works. After sanction of fund, the project work would begin, the sources added.
BMC sources said the ODRP would work in four segments, slum development, infrastructure development, upgrading drainage system and drinking water supply, and fund would be released for each segment. Out of the total Rs200 crore, the project would spend Rs30 crore for development of slums, Rs78 crore for infrastructure development, Rs27 crore for drinking water supply and Rs10 crore for development of drainage system.