Bhubaneswar: The Housing & Urban Development Department, led by Principal Secretary Usha Padhee, has initiated a comprehensive review of water logging issues across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Odisha. During a decisive meeting, Padhee underscored the necessity for immediate response and proactive measures to address water logging, particularly during the monsoon season.
Padhee emphasized the critical need for effective water management systems and the role of community partnerships in tackling these issues. “Our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents by providing an immediate and efficient response to any water logging concerns. We are committed to leveraging the collective efforts of Team Urban to address these issues promptly,” she stated.
In her review, Padhee assessed the actions taken as per the earlier Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the department. Key initiatives discussed included:
- Establishment of Rapid Response Teams: Dedicated teams in each ULB to monitor and address water logging incidents promptly.
- Upgradation and Maintenance of Drainage Systems: Ensuring smooth water flow and preventing water accumulation.
- Community Involvement: Engaging local communities to identify vulnerable areas and report water logging issues through a dedicated helpline and mobile application.
- Interdepartmental Coordination: Strengthening coordination between various departments for a unified approach in managing water logging challenges.
Padhee urged residents to cooperate with these initiatives and report any water logging incidents immediately. The department assures that all necessary steps are being taken to safeguard the community from the adverse effects of water logging.
The Housing & Urban Development Department is dedicated to the sustainable development of urban areas, ensuring the provision of essential services and improving the quality of life for all residents. Under the leadership of Principal Secretary Usha Padhee, the department strives to implement innovative solutions and foster community partnerships to address urban challenges effectively.
The virtual conference saw the presence of Special Secretary Rajesh Pravakar Patil, Director of Municipal Administration Debasis Singh, Additional Secretaries Rabindra Kumar Sahu and Binaya Das, along with all Municipal Commissioners and Executive Officers of ULBs.