Bhubaneswar, October 28: The Odisha Government has proposed a statewide framework to protect, restore and monitor natural drainage channels, water bodies and flood-retention areas, with the aim of reducing urban flooding, preserving natural water flow and safeguarding public infrastructure.

A meeting to deliberate on the proposed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was held on Tuesday under the chairpersonship of Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department, at the third-floor conference hall of Kharavel Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.

During the meeting, Padhee stressed the need for a coordinated and scientific approach to safeguarding natural drainage systems and water bodies across Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the state. She directed officials to systematically identify and map critical drainage channels, ponds, wetlands and other flood-retention areas, with special focus on vulnerable locations prone to waterlogging and flooding.

She emphasised that natural drainage pathways must be protected against encroachment, unauthorised filling, blockage, diversion and other activities that could obstruct the natural flow of water. She also called for effective coordination among concerned departments and urban local authorities to ensure that drainage protection is incorporated into urban planning and infrastructure development.

The proposed SOP is based on the principle of “No Net Loss of Natural Drainage and Flood-Storage Capacity,” which seeks to ensure that development activities neither disrupt natural drainage connectivity nor reduce the capacity of areas that retain excess rainwater.

Under the proposed framework, critical drainage networks and water bodies across all ULBs in Odisha will be identified, surveyed, geo-referenced and mapped using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. These assets are proposed to be incorporated into urban development plans, land-use plans and Comprehensive Storm Water Drainage Master Plans to strengthen planning, development approval processes and flood-management measures.

The proposal also envisages the formation of district-level committees and dedicated enforcement task forces, potentially under the chairpersonship of the respective district Collectors, to coordinate the identification, protection, restoration and monitoring of natural drainage systems and water bodies.

Regular inspections, particularly ahead of the monsoon, digital documentation of encroachments and restoration activities, and periodic monitoring are among the proposed measures to improve accountability and enable timely intervention. The framework also aims to strengthen interdepartmental coordination to address drainage-related issues and protect flood-prone areas.

Development proposals that may affect protected drainage pathways and water bodies would be examined in accordance with applicable statutory provisions and technical requirements to ensure adequate drainage connectivity and preserve flood-storage capacity.

The proposed framework seeks to integrate the protection of natural drainage systems with urban planning, land-use regulation and infrastructure development. Its broader objective is to minimise preventable flood risks, protect lives and property, and promote safer, more sustainable and climate-resilient urban areas across Odisha.

The SOP is currently in draft form and remains under consideration. The state government will consider its approval and determine the appropriate mechanism for its issuance and implementation. Any enforcement action will be undertaken in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Among the officials who attended the meeting were Arindam Dakua, Director of Municipal Administration; Bhagyadhar Mohanty, Chief Engineer-cum-Additional Secretary; the Engineer-in-Chief (Drainage) of the Water Resources Department; town planners and other concerned officials.