CUTTACK: The Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) has launched a crackdown on those dumping construction materials and debris on the roadside. It has formed five squads that are carrying out the raids. "The CMC has the power to punish those dumping building materials, debris, and stones on roads and other public places. However, we are right now creating awareness about the restriction by imposing fine on the violators. The erring people have been warned," said a CMC official. The raids will continue for the next few weeks.

He said in 2012-13, the CMC had collected a fine of Rs 2.86 lakh from people dumping debris and construction materials. The civic body has targeted to collect Rs 6 lakh as fine from the violators in 2013-14. "Despite restrictions, construction material is still being dumped on the roadside. This creates serious traffic problems and also poses threat to the lives of commuters. This year, the raids will be intensified and we are hopeful of meeting the target," said a senior CMC official.

Denizens alleged that the condition of roads in Markat Nagar, Nuabazaar and Buxibazaar is very bad as people stack construction materials on the roadside. "Heaps of construction materials dumped on the roadside is a common sight in every lane of Markat Nagar. Commuters face a lot of problem as the roads get congested. The violators should be dealt with an iron hand," said Manoj Das, a resident of CDA.

Officials at CMC said there is provision that before dumping construction materials the contractors and denizens should seek permission from the civic body, but nobody follows it. "It has been observed that the builders and contractors are unloading their construction material on corporation roads. In some areas, we have found that construction material is unloaded on the storm water drain choking it. People also find it difficult maneuvering these roads. We will intensify the raids in the days to come," said a CMC engineer.