Odisha Government Directs Urban Local Bodies to Strengthen Monsoon Preparedness Measures
Bhubaneswar: With forecasts predicting above-normal rainfall during the upcoming southwest monsoon season, the Odisha Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department has issued a comprehensive directive to all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the state to implement robust flood and waterlogging management strategies.
The directive, issued on Friday by Director of Municipal Administration Debasis Singh, outlines a multi-pronged action plan aimed at minimizing the impact of heavy rainfall, cyclones, and urban flooding. It applies to all municipal corporations, municipalities, and Notified Area Councils (NACs) in the state.
ULBs have been instructed to carry out immediate inspection, desilting, and clearing of all drainage channels to ensure unimpeded water flow. Authorities are also required to repair damaged drains and manholes, install warning signs where delays occur, and place bar screens or wire mesh in drains to filter solid waste. Coordination with the Drainage and Minor Irrigation Divisions has been advised for issues beyond ULB jurisdiction.
To combat urban flooding, ULBs must identify low-lying and waterlogging-prone areas and ensure that pump sets, generators, and tower lights are operational and ready for deployment. Public buildings such as cyclone shelters, schools, and colleges are to be assessed and prepared as emergency shelters, with arrangements for electrification, drinking water, sanitation, and food provisions. Special attention will be given to vulnerable groups, with female security personnel and local volunteers deployed as needed.
In a bid to prevent outbreaks of diseases during the rainy season, the action plan also mandates strict control measures against vector-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, and Japanese encephalitis, as well as waterborne diseases like diarrhea and jaundice. ULBs are to apply larvicides, manage waste disposal effectively, and conduct regular fogging operations.
Each ULB will set up a control room staffed with dedicated officers to provide real-time assistance during emergencies. These control rooms will coordinate responses to issues such as waterlogging, blocked roads, and disrupted services.
The directive also calls for strong inter-departmental coordination, urging ULBs to work closely with elected representatives, ward committees, and emergency services such as the Fire Department. A high-level coordination meeting is scheduled to take place a week before June to assess overall preparedness. District Collectors and Municipal Commissioners have been asked to ensure seamless cooperation across departments during crisis situations.
The H&UD Department emphasized that proactive planning, effective coordination, and public involvement are crucial to protecting life and property during the monsoon season.
