Odisha Govt resolves to restore polluted Gangua canal traversing through Bhubaneswar city

A high-level meeting held here on Wednesday deliberated over expeditious completion of Gangua Nala (canal) Improvement Project, considering the fact that the canal that connects the Kuakhai and Daya rivers flowing through Bhubaneswar city, is severely polluted.

It is pertinent to note that the effluents from drains and sewerage lines in the city are discharged into the Gangua canal. The water filled with effluents of the Gangua canal flows into the Daya River and pollutes it. The National Green Tribunal, besides the pollution control agencies of both the State and Centre, had pulled up the State Government with a direction to put brakes on the effluent discharge into the polluted water body.

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The meeting, chaired by Urban Development Minister Krishna Chandra Mohapatra, also focused on the comprehensive improvement of Nicco Park and its surrounding areas, along with strengthened stormwater management to address long-standing urban drainage concerns.

MLA Babu Singh, Principal Secretary, Urban Development; Usha Padhee, BMC Commissioner-cum-Vice Chairman, Bhubaneswar Development Authority; Chanchal Rana, and other senior officers of the departments concerned attended the meeting.

During the review, the Minister stressed the importance of accelerating project implementation to ensure visible improvements in urban infrastructure ahead of the upcoming monsoon. He directed officials to adopt an integrated approach so that the revitalisation of Nicco Park precincts, enhancement of public amenities, and restoration of the Gangua Nala ecosystem progress simultaneously.

Padhee emphasised coordinated inter-agency action for effective drainage solutions, while Rana briefed on the ongoing works, bottlenecks, and proposed timelines.

The minister instructed the departments to resolve all pending issues promptly and ensure that the project delivers safe, clean, and accessible urban spaces for the citizens of Bhubaneswar. The meeting concluded with a resolve to monitor progress closely and maintain strict adherence to quality and deadlines.