Following an extensive ground inspection of storm-ravaged communities in Kandhamala district, Odisha’s Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, and Drinking Water, Rabi Narayan Naik, chaired a high-level review meeting today at Lok Seva Bhawan to accelerate relief work and brace the state for the threat of potential Cyclone Murassu.
The session focused on restoring critical drinking water systems, clearing road blockades, repairing rural infrastructure, and ensuring seamless coordination across affected districts.
Ground Zero Assessment: Lessons from Kandhamala
Minister Naik’s directives follow a multi-day field tour through heavy landslide- and flood-affected areas in Kandhamal district. During his visit to remote villages within the Raikia Block’s Manikeshwar Gram Panchayat, the Minister inspected washed-out roads and damaged bridges, interacting directly with villagers cut off by the deluge.
He also met with injured residents and families whose homes were destroyed by severe rainfall, taking direct note of immediate survival and rehabilitation needs to shape the state’s official response.
Uninterrupted Safe Drinking Water Top Priority
Addressing senior departmental heads—including Panchayati Raj Commissioner-cum-Secretary Shri Girish S.N. and Rural Development Secretary Smt. Yamini Sarangi—Minister Naik emphasised that safe drinking water must remain uninterrupted across all impacted zones.
Departmental officials briefed the chair on major recovery milestones already achieved:
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Infrastructure Repairs: Out of thousands of damaged water sources, 2,593 tube wells have been repaired and disinfected. Repairs on 162 of the 393 impacted piped water schemes are complete.
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Quality & Testing: Laboratory testing has been conducted on 746 tube well samples and 185 piped water samples to prevent waterborne disease outbreaks.
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Emergency Logistics: A fleet of 235 water tankers, 80 tractor-mounted Sintex tanks, and 16 specialised supply vehicles have been deployed.
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Mobile Water Units: In Ganjam district, eight Mobile Water Treatment Units are operational, delivering over 439,000 water bottles and pouches to affected households, backed by a reserve stock of 260,000 additional units and 1,036 bags of bleaching powder.
Preempting Cyclone Murassu & Restoring Connectivity
With meteorological reports indicating the possible development of Cyclone Murassu, Minister Naik directed all operational units to transition into a state of high readiness.
He tasked officials with prepositioning essential supplies, drinking water reserves, and emergency response teams in potentially vulnerable zones. Furthermore, engineers were instructed to deploy extra equipment and manpower to expedite the restoration of damaged rural roads, bridges, and civic assets, ensuring relief lines stay open.
“Restoring connectivity and guaranteeing safe drinking water are our immediate priorities,” stated Minister Naik, urging continuous monitoring and seamless cooperation with local administration units to protect lives and livelihoods.
