Orissa high court dismisses petitions against sub-drain construction in Banpur NAC

Cuttack: Orissa high court has dismissed two petitions filed by nine residents of ward 10 under Banpur Notified Area Council (NAC), challenging the local administration’s move to evict structures for the construction of a sub-drain from Police Station Chowk to Post Office Square.The petitioners had opposed the Aug 26 directives issued by the executive officer of Banpur NAC and the sub-collector-cum-SDM of Khurda, arguing that the main drain had not yet been constructed, and hence, work on a sub-drain was uncalled for. They also expressed fears that sub-drain work would damage the newly constructed village road and the approach to Bhagabati Temple.However, the state counsel, citing a letter from the executive engineer of Balugaon (roads and bridges) sub-division dated June 20, informed the court that the main drain work — from Tala Sahi Chowk near the police station to Galua Chowk — had been completed.

The report was verified by the local inspector in-charge, who physically inspected the entire drain stretch.After hearing both sides on Wednesday, Justice S K Panigrahi noted that the petitioners’ objections were based on “incorrect information” and termed their apprehensions as “premature and unfounded”. The court observed that the administration had assured that all precautions would be taken to prevent damage to the road during construction.

As the competent authority has confirmed completion of the main drain, the contention regarding possible damage is misplaced, Justice Panigrahi observed, adding, “If the petitioners have any grievance in future, they can approach the district collector for redressing of their grievances.”The district administration is now expected to go ahead with the project aimed at improving local drainage infrastructure in the NAC area.