India, May 26 -- 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...