CAG Flags Drainage Failures, Mismanagement in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has criticized municipal corporations in Odisha for failing to prepare master plans for rainwater drainage, resulting in waterlogging and flood-like situations in urban areas. The findings were presented in the Odisha Legislative Assembly today.

The CAG report highlighted an additional expenditure of ₹3,045.44 crore from the state exchequer due to flawed detailed project reports for sewerage projects. It also flagged an extra ₹30.11 crore spent on waiving GST and service tax for consultancy services.

The report pointed out safety lapses, noting that many drains were covered with concrete slabs, endangering public safety. It also revealed that pollutant levels in tanks connected to the Kuakhai River, which supplies drinking water to Bhubaneswar, exceeded permissible limits.

Additionally, despite the declining groundwater levels, municipal corporations failed to implement measures to replenish them, raising concerns about long-term water security.

The report underscores critical gaps in planning and financial accountability by Odisha’s civic authorities.