Chhatrapur: With Ganjam district likely to experience heavy rainfall and strong winds on November 18 and 19 due to a possible cyclone, the district administration has stepped up preparedness measures to minimise damage and ensure the safety of people and property.
A preparatory meeting of departmental officers was held at Chhatrapur on Saturday under the chairmanship of Collector V. Keerthi Vasan, who directed all departments to remain alert and take necessary steps to deal with any eventuality.
Drawing lessons from Cyclone Arnab and the subsequent flood situation, the Collector stressed the need for coordinated action and preparedness at all levels. He said people would be evacuated to safe locations and cyclone shelters whenever required. Field-level officers have been asked to inspect the availability of drinking water, food, lighting and toilet facilities at the shelters.
The Fisheries Department has been directed to ensure that all fishermen currently at sea return by November 16. Fishing activities will not be permitted thereafter. A public awareness campaign through loudspeakers will also be launched across all blocks from Sunday. Block Development Officers (BDOs) will coordinate with elected Panchayat representatives, Self-Help Groups and local residents to spread awareness.
The Collector emphasised the administration’s target of zero casualties, with special attention to vulnerable groups and livestock. The Health and District Social Welfare departments will coordinate to shift pregnant women to safer locations in advance. Health centres have been asked to stock anti-snake venom injections and other essential medicines, while the Animal Resources Development Department will make arrangements for the safe accommodation of livestock.
The Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) and WATCO departments have been instructed to keep water tankers ready, inspect pipelines and carry out necessary repairs to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply. The Food Supplies Department will maintain adequate stocks of essential items, including flattened rice, jaggery, biscuits and bottled water.
The Electricity, Fire Services, Telecommunications, Works, Water Resources and Irrigation departments have also been asked to remain prepared. The Collector stressed the need for close monitoring of drainage systems, particularly Kharkhari Nala, to ensure the smooth discharge of rainwater.
Farmers have been advised to harvest matured crops before the anticipated rainfall. The Agriculture and Irrigation departments will coordinate to protect standing crops and ensure proper drainage of excess water. In case of a Red Warning, BDOs will submit reports on the ground situation and preparedness in their respective areas twice a day, at 9 am and 7 pm.
A 24-hour district control room will remain operational, while NDRF, ODRAF and Fire Services personnel will be kept ready for rescue and evacuation operations. The Collector also directed that no officer should leave headquarters without prior permission.
Meanwhile, relief measures for families and farmers affected by floods following Cyclone Arnab are underway. Input assistance and crop insurance benefits are being processed for nearly 80,000 hectares of affected agricultural land. Affected families are being provided 50 kg of rice and financial assistance of ₹2,500, while farmers in some areas have already received input assistance.
In view of the ongoing relief and restoration work, the Sunday holiday has been cancelled across the district. The public grievance hearing scheduled for next Monday has also been postponed.
The Collector appealed to people not to panic but to follow advisories issued by the administration and move to safe shelters whenever necessary. Officials from various departments attended the meeting and apprised him of their preparedness measures.
