To contain the city’s persistent monsoon flooding, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday launched Rapid Action Teams (RATs)—specially trained units designed for real-time drainage intervention in flood-prone zones.
The initiative comes in the wake of mounting public frustration, especially from Badagada residents, who recently endured knee-deep water and property damage after torrential rains overwhelmed the existing drainage network.
Formally launched by Mayor Sulochana Das, each RAT unit consists of four trained members and is equipped with mobile vans, pump sets, and drainage tools. These teams are distributed across the city’s three municipal zones and are expected to respond within minutes to reported waterlogging incidents.
“The public deserves quick and competent action. These teams are our frontline soldiers against urban flooding,” said Mayor Das during the launch ceremony.
The immediate trigger for this emergency rollout was the July 4 incident, when angry residents confronted BMC Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil during a site inspection, alleging long-standing civic negligence. The event spiralled after officials had to dig through roads to drain stagnant water, with some families temporarily evacuating to nearby hotels.
In response, the BMC stated the RATs will work in coordination with ward officials and citizen reports, acting as first responders. According to officials, this is part of a broader, long-term monsoon preparedness plan aimed at bolstering Bhubaneswar’s resilience to extreme weather.
While the success of this intervention remains to be seen, the city’s residents—drenched and determined—are watching closely.
