Orissa HC Seeks IIT Experts’ Presence in Cuttack Drain Project Hearing
The Orissa High Court has recently directed experts from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar to be present at the upcoming hearing regarding the Cuttack branch storm water channel (BSWC) drainage project. This project, which has an estimated budget of ₹496 crore, aims to address chronic urban flooding issues in Cuttack city.
Project Overview
The Cuttack BSWC drainage project involves the construction of five major storm water channels under the jurisdiction of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC). The initiative is part of a broader effort to mitigate flooding that has plagued the city for years, particularly during the monsoon season.
Court Proceedings
The special bench, which is focused on civic issues in Cuttack, has been actively monitoring the progress of this significant infrastructure project. The bench consists of Justice SK Sahoo and Justice V Narasingh, who recently passed the directive for IIT experts to attend the next hearing scheduled for January 8, 2026.
Re-vetting of Detailed Project Reports
One of the primary tasks at hand is the re-vetting of the detailed project reports (DPRs) by IIT-Bhubaneswar. This process is crucial to ensure that the project is technically robust and can be executed in a timely manner. The court’s directive came after Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO) managing director Debabrata Mohanty participated in a video conference hearing on December 18, 2025.
WATCO’s Commitment
During the hearing, Mohanty assured the court that WATCO would act “in right earnest” to uphold the confidence placed in its technical expertise for the seamless execution of the drainage project. As a preliminary step, he indicated that IIT experts would be urged to complete necessary surveys by January 4, 2026. These surveys will incorporate 19 new soil test reports that WATCO recently conducted and submitted to IIT-Bhubaneswar.
Importance of Soil Testing
The soil tests are critical for finalizing drainage designs that are both technically sound and sustainable. The results will provide essential data that will inform the engineering solutions implemented in the project.
Instructions from the Court
The bench has instructed the WATCO managing director to formally notify IIT-Bhubaneswar experts to join the next court session, either in person or virtually. This requirement emphasizes the court’s commitment to ensuring that all stakeholders are engaged in the decision-making process.
Previous Court Orders
On December 11, 2025, the state government informed the court that WATCO had been assigned the responsibility of executing the box drain projects in accordance with previous court orders. A letter dated December 10 from the deputy secretary of the Housing and Urban Development department confirmed that WATCO had submitted the drainage DPRs to IIT-Bhubaneswar for re-vetting.
Technical Meetings and Coordination
Achyuta Bijayananda Behera, the general manager of drainage at WATCO, participated in the proceedings virtually and updated the bench on the scheduling of a technical meeting with IIT-Bhubaneswar on December 16. This meeting aimed to discuss the DPRs and expedite the vetting process, which the court had emphasized as a priority.
Recognizing the Project’s Sensitivity
The bench acknowledged the “sensitive nature” of the assignment and required the WATCO managing director to take part in the proceedings on December 18. This reflects the court’s understanding of the complexities involved in urban infrastructure projects and the need for thorough oversight.
Conclusion
The Orissa High Court’s involvement in the Cuttack drainage project underscores the importance of technical expertise and rigorous oversight in urban planning and infrastructure development. As the project progresses, the collaboration between WATCO and IIT-Bhubaneswar will be vital in ensuring that the drainage systems are effective and sustainable, ultimately benefiting the residents of Cuttack.
Note: This article is based on the latest available information as of December 2025 and may be subject to updates as the project progresses.
