Bhubaneswar, July 3: With continuous rainfall triggered by a low-pressure system raising the risk of floods across Odisha, the state government has drawn up a comprehensive disaster management roadmap to strengthen preparedness against heavy rain, urban flooding, landslides and other natural calamities.
Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said persistent monsoon rains have increased the possibility of emergency situations, prompting the government to adopt proactive measures to minimise damage and improve disaster response.
The minister noted that while heavy rainfall and floods are common during the monsoon, several urban areas continue to face the recurring problem of artificial flooding due to poor drainage. To address this, the Disaster Management Department will provide financial assistance to 10 cities for projects aimed at preventing urban waterlogging.
A separate flood mitigation plan has also been prepared for Bhubaneswar. The plan has been designed with technical support from experts at Roorkee, and recommendations have been shared with the Housing and Urban Development Department. The department has been asked to identify the 10 most flood-prone cities in the state for priority intervention.
Pujari also announced that Odisha's existing early warning centres will be modernised and equipped with CCTV surveillance to improve monitoring and emergency response capabilities.
Highlighting the state's coastal vulnerability, the minister said Odisha remains exposed to the threat of tsunamis. As part of preparedness efforts, the government has identified 381 villages located within 10 kilometres of the coastline. These villages will receive specialised disaster preparedness training and other essential support measures to enhance community resilience.
On the issue of landslides, the minister said heavy rainfall has increased the risk of hill slope failures in several parts of the state. Officials have already conducted field inspections at vulnerable locations, and a detailed action plan is being prepared to mitigate landslide risks. Nearly half of Odisha's districts are considered susceptible to such incidents during the monsoon.
The minister further stated that additional funds will be allocated under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) to support housing construction and rehabilitation in areas affected by natural disasters.
