Bhubaneswar: Odisha is working on a coordinated action plan to tackle urban heatwaves and flooding, with the state government planning immediate interventions as well as longer-term measures to strengthen storm-water management and climate resilience in cities and major towns.
The Housing and Urban Development Department held a high-level meeting on Tuesday to chalk out the preparedness strategy, with a focus on the state’s six municipal corporations and other major urban centres where priority interventions are required.
The meeting, chaired by Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department Usha Padhee at Kharavela Bhawan, discussed preparation of detailed project reports (DPRs), funding arrangements, technical support, capacity building and institutional mechanisms needed to take the proposed measures forward.
A key focus was ensuring that visible interventions are in place before the next summer. Padhee called for identification of urban heatwave hotspots and development of a common set of measures that can be implemented across urban local bodies, along with clear guidelines on available funding sources.
She stressed that immediate relief measures should be complemented by medium- and long-term planning. Nature-based solutions, including plantation, were discussed as part of the longer-term strategy, with the department proposing coordination with the Forest Department.
The meeting also called for a closer look at building rules, bye-laws, the Schedule of Rates and other regulatory provisions that could support heat mitigation and improve urban resilience. The objective is to align planning and regulatory measures with the changing climate risks faced by urban areas.
Storm-water management emerged as another major area of intervention. Padhee directed the Urban Planning Section to take up the issue on priority and proposed an MoU to facilitate further work. She also suggested that the Odisha Water Supply and Sewerage Board (OWSSB) engage a Project Management Consultant after the necessary process is completed.
The department is also considering a dedicated cell or other institutional mechanism to implement Storm-Water Action Plans. Such a mechanism would support DPR preparation and provide technical assistance for implementing drainage-related interventions across urban areas.
Capacity building is also being planned as part of the strategy. Padhee suggested using the Odisha Urban Academy to conduct structured training for officials and technical personnel and called for the preparation of training modules for the purpose.
The state also plans to bring agencies and other stakeholders onto a common platform to ensure coordinated implementation. The Central Water Commission and other relevant agencies have been identified for engagement, with officials asked to convene consultations and share action points and responsibilities.
Padhee said the proposed measures should have clearly defined responsibilities and timelines. She also suggested that the issue be taken up at the upcoming Urban Conclave to widen stakeholder participation and build a coordinated framework for action.
The meeting was attended by State Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, Director of Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Chanchal Rana, Additional Secretary H&UD Rabindra Sahu, EIC PHEO Bilas Behera, EIC OWSSB Bhagyadhar Mohanty and other senior officials.
The department now plans to translate the discussions into a structured action plan covering priority interventions, funding, technical assistance, stakeholder coordination, capacity building and institutional arrangements, with the immediate objective of providing tangible relief to citizens before the next summer.
