Bhubaneswar: Gangua Nala Improvement Project Meet was convened today at Kharavela Bhavan. The meeting was chaired by Minister for Housing & Urban Development, Dr. Krishna Chandra Mohapatra, and focused on accelerating the comprehensive improvement of the Gangua Nala ecosystem, stormwater management, and the revitalisation of Nicco Park and its adjacent areas.
Gangua Nala is one of the main natural drainage channels for the city of Bhubaneswar, carrying stormwater runoff and sewage. The Improvement Project is a critical urban development initiative in Bhubaneswar, primarily focused on addressing the city’s long-standing challenges related to stormwater drainage, waterlogging, and the restoration of a vital water channel.
Over the time, encroachment, dumping of solid waste, and poor maintenance have severely choked the drain, leading to frequent and severe waterlogging, particularly in areas like Nicco Park, parts of Old Town, and low-lying residential sectors during heavy rainfall.
The project aims to improve the carrying capacity of the channel, prevent urban flooding, address pollution by diverting sewage away from the channel, and restore the ecological health and public utility of the surrounding areas.
The meeting was attended by MLA Sri Babu Singh, Principal Secretary of Housing & Urban Development Smt. Usha Padhee, BMC Commissioner-cum-Vice Chairman of BDA Sri Chanchal Rana, and several other senior officials from concerned departments.
Minister Dr.Mohapatra stressed the critical need for speedier project implementation, urging officials to ensure visible improvements in urban infrastructure well before the upcoming monsoon season. He issued directions for an integrated approach, mandating that the enhancement of public amenities, the restoration of the Gangua Nala ecosystem, and the revitalisation of the Nicco Park precincts must proceed simultaneously.
During the review, Principal Secretary Smt. Usha Padhee underscored the necessity of coordinated inter-agency action to achieve effective and sustainable urban drainage solutions. BMC Commissioner Sri Chanchal Rana provided a detailed brief on the current status of ongoing works, identified existing bottlenecks, and outlined the proposed timelines for completion.
The Minister concluded the meeting by instructing all departments to promptly resolve any pending issues. He emphasised that the ultimate goal of the project is to deliver safe, clean, and highly accessible urban spaces for the citizens of Bhubaneswar. The meeting resolved to maintain close monitoring of the project’s progress and ensure strict adherence to both quality standards and deadlines.