Odisha Puts Urban Bodies on High Alert Amid Heavy Rainfall, Flooding Concerns

Bhubaneswar: With monsoon activity intensifying across Odisha and concerns rising over possible urban flooding and waterlogging, the State Government has directed all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to remain on alert and strengthen preparedness measures to ensure uninterrupted civic services and public safety.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krishna Chandra Mohapatra on Tuesday instructed municipal authorities across the state to take immediate preventive action and maintain readiness to respond to any rain-related emergency.

“Protection of citizens and uninterrupted delivery of civic services during the monsoon season is our top priority. All Urban Local Bodies must remain fully prepared and respond swiftly to any emergency situation,” the Minister said while addressing the media.

Following the directive, the Housing and Urban Development Department issued an advisory to all Municipal Corporations, Municipalities and Notified Area Councils, calling for proactive measures to prevent urban flooding and water accumulation, particularly in identified vulnerable and low-lying areas.

The Department has asked ULBs to maintain continuous monitoring and keep Rapid Action Teams (RATs) on standby for immediate deployment. Municipal officials, engineers and sanitation teams have been directed to intensify field inspections and promptly address complaints related to blocked drains, overflowing sewers, waterlogging, fallen trees and other civic disruptions.

Authorities have also been instructed to ensure that pumps, dewatering systems and emergency equipment remain fully operational. Special attention has been placed on surveillance of flood-prone pockets and strengthening coordination with district administrations, disaster management authorities and line departments for timely intervention.

To facilitate faster grievance redressal during the monsoon, the State’s urban helpline Sahar Sathi (1929) has been activated to receive complaints related to drainage issues, waterlogging and other civic emergencies for immediate response by concerned urban bodies.

Reaffirming the Government’s focus on resilient urban management, Dr. Mohapatra stressed the importance of advance planning, coordinated action and rapid response mechanisms to minimise disruption during periods of heavy rainfall.

Officials said the Housing and Urban Development Department is closely tracking the evolving weather situation and extending all necessary support to ULBs to ensure safety and convenience for urban residents across Odisha.