Orissa HC Orders IIT Bhubaneswar to Re-vet Cuttack Drainage Project
The Orissa High Court has mandated the housing department to revisit and resend its report regarding the Cuttack stormwater channel project, valued at Rs 496 crore, to IIT Bhubaneswar for a fresh evaluation. This directive comes as part of the court’s ongoing scrutiny of the project, which has faced criticism for its planning and execution.
Background of the Project
The Cuttack branch stormwater channel (BSWC) project is designed to address the persistent drainage issues faced by the city of Cuttack, especially during the monsoon season. The project aims to create a more efficient stormwater management system to prevent flooding and improve the overall urban infrastructure.
Recent Court Developments
On November 25, 2025, a division bench consisting of Justices S K Sahoo and V Narasingh criticized the housing and urban development department for its reluctance to allow a fresh vetting of the detailed project report (DPR). The court emphasized the importance of ensuring that the project is thoroughly evaluated, given its scale, complexity, and significant financial implications.
Key Court Orders
- The DPR for five branch stormwater channels must be submitted to IIT Bhubaneswar for re-vetting within two weeks.
- Watco, the company responsible for executing the project, has been mandated to oversee the project’s implementation.
- The next hearing is scheduled for December 11, 2025.
Concerns Raised by the Court
The court expressed its concerns regarding the government’s “veiled explanation” that additional vetting might delay the project. The judges highlighted that the nature of the project, along with its substantial cost, necessitates thorough scrutiny to avoid any foundational errors that could lead to significant public inconvenience.
Previous Evaluations
Prior to this order, the court had noted that the DPR should be vetted again by IIT Bhubaneswar based on a recommendation from the chief engineer-cum-additional secretary in a letter dated May 30. The court pointed out that the complexity of the project warranted expert evaluation to ensure its success.
Government’s Response
During a hearing on November 20, the additional government advocate, S Nayak, presented instructions dated October 15, which stated that Watco would take overall supervision of the project. Furthermore, IIT Bhubaneswar experts would be included in a technical committee to oversee the project’s execution.
However, the government’s argument that a fresh vetting could delay the project was met with skepticism from the court. The judges rejected the explanation, asserting that the state was hesitant to comply with its earlier decision to seek expert advice.
Public Interest Considerations
The High Court emphasized that the reliance on a “policy decision” by the state could not overshadow public welfare. The judges remarked that the façade of a policy decision fails in the face of overwhelming public interest, especially for a project costing nearly Rs 500 crore.
The court made it clear that moving forward with such a significant project without eliminating the possibility of errors would be irresponsible. The judges underscored the need for transparency and accountability in the planning and execution of public infrastructure projects.
Next Steps
As the project moves forward, the court has mandated that the housing department comply with its order to submit the DPR for re-evaluation. The involvement of IIT Bhubaneswar is crucial in ensuring that the project meets the necessary technical standards and addresses the drainage issues effectively.
Future Hearings
The next court hearing is set for December 11, 2025, where further developments regarding the project will be discussed. Stakeholders are expected to present their findings and updates on the project’s status.
Conclusion
The Orissa High Court’s decision to mandate a re-vetting of the Cuttack drainage project underscores the importance of thorough evaluation in public works. As urban areas face increasing challenges related to flooding and drainage, ensuring that projects are executed with the highest standards of expertise is essential for the welfare of the community.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the latest updates from the Orissa High Court and related government departments as of November 2025.
