Bhubaneswar, July 1:With relentless monsoon showers raising the risk of urban flooding and waterlogging across Odisha, Housing and Urban Development Minister Krishna Chandra Mohapatra has directed all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to remain on high alert and ensure complete preparedness to respond to any rain-related emergencies.
Speaking to the media, the Minister said safeguarding citizens and ensuring uninterrupted civic services during the monsoon season remain the State Government's foremost priorities.
Following the Minister's directive, the Housing and Urban Development Department has issued an advisory to all Municipal Corporations, Municipalities and Notified Area Councils, instructing them to take preventive measures to minimize urban flooding and waterlogging, particularly in vulnerable low-lying areas and identified hotspots.
The advisory calls for round-the-clock monitoring of the situation and mandates that Rapid Action Teams (RATs) remain fully deployed for immediate response. Municipal officers, engineers and sanitation staff have been directed to conduct regular field inspections and promptly address issues such as waterlogging, clogged drains, overflowing sewer lines, uprooted trees and other civic emergencies.
ULBs have also been instructed to keep pumps, dewatering equipment and other emergency machinery in operational condition to ensure quick response whenever required. The Department has stressed continuous surveillance of flood-prone locations and close coordination with district administrations, disaster management authorities and other line departments for timely intervention.
To strengthen public response during the monsoon, the State's urban grievance helpline, Sahar Sathi (1929), has been fully activated. Citizens can report incidents of waterlogging, drainage problems and other civic issues through the helpline for immediate action by the respective Urban Local Bodies.
Reaffirming the Government's commitment to public safety and efficient urban management, Dr. Mohapatra emphasized the importance of advance planning, proactive intervention and coordinated efforts among all concerned agencies to reduce the impact of heavy rainfall.
The Housing and Urban Development Department is closely monitoring the evolving situation across Odisha and has assured all necessary support to ULBs to effectively tackle monsoon-related challenges while ensuring the safety, convenience and well-being of urban residents.
