Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday reviewed the situation arising from heavy rainfall triggered by a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal and directed all concerned departments to maintain the highest level of preparedness to protect lives and property.
The review meeting was held at Lok Seva Bhawan in the presence of Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister and Special Relief Commissioner (SRC).
During the meeting, the SRC briefed the Chief Minister on the deep depression, the expected rainfall and the steps taken by the state government to deal with the situation.
Majhi stressed that the state’s policy during all natural disasters should be “zero casualty”. He directed all concerned departments to coordinate closely with district administrations and give the highest priority to the safety of people and their property.
The Chief Minister also ordered authorities to shift people from waterlogged areas to safer locations and ensure adequate relief for those affected. Although there is no possibility of a cyclone, he asked officials to continue preparations at the highest level as a precaution.
The state government has deployed 33 ODRAF teams across vulnerable districts. Of these, six teams each have been deployed in Ganjam and Koraput, three each in Gajapati, Malkangiri and Rayagada, two in Kalahandi and one in Balangir.
Another nine ODRAF teams based at Chhatrapur in Ganjam have been kept in reserve for emergency deployment.
As rough sea conditions are expected along the coast, Local Warning Signal No. 3 has been hoisted at all ports. Fishing activities in the sea have also been prohibited, with district administrations directed to ensure strict compliance.
Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur and Kalahandi have been identified as priority districts. Preparations have also been completed in Nuapada, Balangir, Kandhamal, Puri, Khordha and Nayagarh.
District and block emergency operation centres have been directed to remain functional round the clock. Authorities have been asked to identify vulnerable habitations, keep shelters ready and stock essential supplies, including dry food, baby food, drinking water and sanitation materials.
ODRAF, NDRF and Fire Services teams have been kept ready for rescue operations. Rescue boats, life jackets and power boats have also been kept prepared.
The Water Resources Department is continuously monitoring water levels in rivers and reservoirs. Vulnerable embankments are being inspected, while coordination has been put in place for controlled release of water wherever necessary.
In urban areas, authorities are monitoring drainage systems and keeping dewatering pumps ready at low-lying underpasses. Traffic diversions will be introduced wherever required.
The health and Family Welfare, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Energy, Commerce and Transport, Works, Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development departments have also been directed to remain prepared.
The state and district administrations are carrying out real-time monitoring of the situation, including heavy rainfall, waterlogging, shelter arrangements, electricity and drinking water supply, deployment of rescue teams and reservoir levels.