Bhubaneswar, Aug. 5 (UDN): A government veterinary hospital in Odisha’s Khordha district has turned into a recurring symbol of poor drainage infrastructure, with persistent waterlogging disrupting animal healthcare services and forcing farmers to struggle for access during the monsoon.
Located in Balipatna, on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, the veterinary hospital remains submerged for weeks, and often months, every rainy season as rainwater accumulates across the premises with no effective drainage system in place.
The waterlogged condition has made it difficult for farmers to bring sick cattle, goats, poultry and other livestock to the hospital for treatment. Many are forced to wade through stagnant water, while others delay seeking veterinary care altogether, raising concerns over the health and welfare of their animals.
“We face immense difficulty in bringing our livestock for treatment because the entire hospital campus remains flooded,” said a local farmer, urging the authorities to address the issue without further delay.
The recurring problem has also drawn criticism from residents, who questioned how public services can function effectively when a government healthcare facility itself remains inaccessible during the monsoon.
Block Veterinary Officer Dr. Durman Kumar Behera acknowledged the difficulties caused by the waterlogging, saying the flooded premises hamper the delivery of veterinary services and create challenges for both staff and livestock owners.
Residents and members of the farming community have called on the district administration to undertake permanent drainage improvements rather than temporary measures. They have demanded the construction of an effective drainage network to ensure uninterrupted veterinary services throughout the year.
With livestock playing a crucial role in the rural economy, farmers say restoring safe and easy access to the veterinary hospital is essential for protecting animal health and sustaining their livelihoods.