Raruan: Due to the apathy of the Works Department, the Raruan market remains waterlogged. While road widening from Bhanjabeda Square (Benisagar Square) to Manik Square in Shukruli was completed two years ago, last year, a 40-km road widening project from Raruan Block Square to Phagu was also completed.
However, the road from Raruan to Manik Square in Shukruli, and from Raruan Mahanta Square to Chutiya Nala, as well as from Mahantasahi Square to San Raruan and the Khairi Bhandan River, lacks soil or gravel filling on both sides. As a result, the road stands about 1.5 feet higher than the surrounding areas. With no proper drainage system on either side, areas such as the Raruan Community Health Centre, Veterinary Centre, New Government High School, Basanti Colony, Mahantasahi, Minati Market Lane, the Ratha Podia in front of Jagannath Temple, Raruan LAMPS, Raruan College vicinity to Chutiya Nala, and adjacent lanes, houses, and government offices are experiencing severe waterlogging.
In the presence of Raruan Tehsildar Bhaktabandhu Pradhan, the Fire Department, and Raruan Sarpanch Jhuna Rani Pingua, the road was cut open to drain out two feet of rainwater from inside the Raruan LAMPS premises. Again today at around 8:30 AM, rainwater was drained out with help from the Fire Department from the house of Officer Bibek Das of Ward No. 1 in the presence of the Tehsildar.
Although Raruan BDO Premananda Behera had made efforts three to four months ago to set up drainage on both sides of the road, the results have not materialized. Attempts to coordinate with engineers of the Works Department also failed. The local residents have urged higher departmental authorities to immediately construct drains on both sides of the said road. They have warned that if the Works Department continues to delay drainage work, they will resort to blocking the main road.