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Time of India
24-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
HC asks admn to file report on unsafe buildings in Cuttack
1 2 Cuttack: Orissa high court has taken cognizance of a newspaper report highlighting the alleged presence of over 700 unsafe and dilapidated buildings in Cuttack city. These structures, including both private and govt properties, pose a serious risk to public safety and demand immediate remedial action. In an order passed on June 19, the special bench hearing PILs related to civic issues directed the Cuttack administration to file a comprehensive status report on unsafe structures when the matter comes up next on Aug 14. The bench comprising Justices S K Sahoo and V Narasingh issued the directive after ADM (general), Cuttack, Shiv Toppo, appearing through video link, informed the court that a dedicated committee has been formed to identify unsafe structures within city limits. The committee includes representatives from the roads and buildings division (I), Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), Cuttack Development Authority, and the sub-collector (Sadar), Cuttack. You Can Also Check: Bhubaneswar AQI | Weather in Bhubaneswar | Bank Holidays in Bhubaneswar | Public Holidays in Bhubaneswar The ADM submitted that the committee has begun its survey, and as an initial step, the superintending engineers of R&B divisions I and II have identified 12 unsafe buildings, with the details forwarded to the sub-collector for action under Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. However, identifying all dilapidated structures will take additional time. The court emphasised the urgency of the situation and said, "The ADM, Cuttack-cum-nodal officer shall furnish a fresh report regarding the identification of dilapidated structures in the city and action taken by the sub-collector, Sadar, Cuttack on the unsafe buildings." Localities such as Nimchouri, Nayasarak, Bamphisahi, Chandni Chowk, Buxi Bazar and Badambadi CESU Colony have been flagged as high-risk zones with several structures reportedly in a state of severe disrepair. Concerns over building safety in Cuttack are not new. In 2010, following a tragic building collapse in Delhi that claimed 60 lives, the CMC had announced plans for a survey of decrepit structures. A similar initiative was announced again in 2019, with a special team proposed for the purpose. However, according to official sources, both initiatives failed to materialise into concrete outcomes. With the high court now monitoring the issue, civic activists and residents are hopeful that long-pending measures will finally see implementation, ensuring safer urban infrastructure for the people of Cuttack.
New Indian Express
24-06-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Orissa HC fixes July 17 date to review drainage works
CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has fixed July 17 to review the drainage upgrade work at the SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCB MCH), Acharya Harihar Post Graduate Institute for Cancer (AHPGIC) and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Post Graduate Institute of Pediatrics (Sishu Bhawan), in Cuttack. The bench of Justice SK Sahoo and V Narasingh, which is dealing with PILs on civic issues in Cuttack city, fixed the date after taking on record a report submitted by CMC on rain preparedness for the ensuing monsoon at the three premier medical institutions following the HC's order. According to the report, 80 per cent of the drain desilting work inside SCB MCH campus and AHPGIC completed and the rest will be finished by end of the month. It also stated that a high-power VOLVO pump bearing capacity of 24 HP has been installed for dewatering of storm water from the Sishu Bhawan campus. Another 10 HP pump will be provided, if required, at the time of heavy rains. For construction of drainage facility inside Sishu Bhawan Rs 8.08 crore has already been approved by the Health & Family Welfare department. The internal drainage network will be completed by August 31, 2026, the report said.
New Indian Express
23-06-2025
- New Indian Express
Orissa HC expresses shock over manual drain cleaning, orders CMC to use machines
CUTTACK: Expressing alarm over the practice of manual cleaning of drains by engaging labourers, the Orissa High Court has directed the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) to take immediate steps to shift to mechanised process and submit a report by July 31. 'This court expects that the inhuman methodology resorted to would be stopped immediately and efforts shall be made to undertake the drain cleaning activities by deploying technologically advanced drain cleaning machines,' the bench of Justices SK Sahoo and V Narasingh, which is dealing with PILs on civic issues in Cuttack city, said. The court took note of media reports on how labourers, even minor boys, are engaged in the daunting task of clearance of wastes, deposits and sewage from the storm water channels and big drains in the city. While they enter the drains without proper safety gear or safety measures, no CMC staff is monitoring the operations, thereby endangering the lives of the workers. The bench observed, 'Needless to say, ensuring the health and safety of labourers is crucial for productive outcome. This involves implementing measures to prevent work-related injuries, diseases and hazards. When the labourers are used to clean the big drains manually, it very often leads to hazardous conditions and can lead to injuries or fatalities due to toxic fumes and coming in contact with sharp objects like broken glasses, metals and spikes besides poisonous snakes in the water bodies.' Accordingly, the bench ordered the CMC to finalise a plan of action to streamline the cleaning process of the drains by adopting suitable machines and training of manpower and place it in the court during on the next date on July 7. The bench also directed CMC to make sure there is no violation of the provisions of Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act in their operations.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Time of India
HC directs CMC to stop manual drain cleaning
1 2 Cuttack: Orissa high court has taken sou motu cognisance of a media report highlighting hazardous manual drain cleaning by Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) by allegedly engaging minor boys in clear violation of safety norms and child labour laws and directed the immediate halting of "such unsafe and unethical practices". The special bench for PILs concerning civic issues in Cuttack expressed serious concern over the "inhumane methodology" adopted by CMC. The bench of Justices S K Sahoo and V Narasingh said, "Needless to say, ensuring the health and safety of labourers is crucial for productive outcome. This involves implementing measures to prevent work-related injuries, diseases and hazards." "Manual drain cleaning often leads to hazardous conditions and can result in serious injuries or fatalities due to exposure to toxic fumes, sharp objects and even poisonous snakes," the bench added. The court directed that such manual and dangerous methods of drain cleaning must be discontinued immediately. It emphasised the need to shift to safer and technologically advanced cleaning mechanisms and underscored that no violation of the child labour law would be tolerated. The media report had highlighted an incident where labourers, including minors, were engaged in clearing stormwater drains carrying sewage without any protective gear. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy One, Get One Free, Up To 50% Discount, Expiring Soon Original Adidas Get Offer Undo A labourer was seen balancing on a motor tube and swimming bare-bodied through the main stormwater channel (MSWC-I) from Matru Bhawan to Nua Bazaar, using only a bamboo stick to remove weeds. Minors were also reported to be working along the banks to clear vegetation in what appears to be a violation of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986. In its order dated June 19, the bench instructed CMC to prepare and submit a comprehensive action plan by July 31. The plan must outline strategies to streamline drain cleaning operations, prevent waterlogging, deploy suitable machinery and ensure proper training of workers. The matter will be taken up for further consideration on July 31.
New Indian Express
18-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Orissa HC to monitor installation of vital equipment in SCBMCH
CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court on Friday decided to monitor progress of installation of MRI and CT scan machines along with other high-end equipment at the SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) here. The division bench of Justices SK Sahoo and V Narasingh directed the superintendent of SCBMCH to file affidavits regarding status of operation of the MRI machine for neurosurgery department and CT scan machine for the radiodiagnosis department when the matter is taken up next on June 19. The bench also directed the superintendent to file by then an affidavit on status of operation of visual perimeter for ophthalmology department. The court was hearing a PIL on delay in installation of much required equipment in SCBMCH. The bench sought the affidavits after Senior Advocate Bibhu Prasad Tripathy representing the Odisha State Medical Corporation Ltd (OSMCL) informed the Court about status of status of procurement of the equipment. On the basis of written instructions, Tripathy informed that the purchase order for the 3T MRI machine and two Slice CT scan machines was issued on January 29, 2025, and the timeline for supply of the machines to SCBMCH is by end of May.
