Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati conducted a comprehensive review of the ongoing flood situation affecting various districts of the state, emphasising the need for heightened vigilance and ensuring zero loss of life.
During a meeting held at Raj Bhavan’s conference hall today, Governor Dr. Kambhampati praised the state government’s proactive measures in tackling the flood crisis and safeguarding lives in the affected districts.
The Governor stressed that protecting human lives is the top priority and urged authorities to take preemptive and proactive steps to ensure public safety during the flood season. He lauded the efforts of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department and other agencies for their preparedness and swift response in managing the crisis.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Additional Chief Secretary-cum-Special Relief Commissioner Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Governor Smt. Roopa Roshan Sahu, Additional Special Relief Commissioner Manish Agrawal, and the Engineer-in-Chief and Chief Engineers of the Water Resources Department.
Officials briefed the Governor on the current situation in flood-affected districts, including Balasore, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, and Sundargarh, as well as the monitoring mechanisms and advisories issued to district administrations. The Governor reviewed arrangements for shelters, relief assistance, river basin conditions, and preparedness to counter heavy rainfall and flooding. He commended the state government’s dedicated efforts in providing essential services to affected communities during this challenging time.
To address flood management, the Governor suggested constructing barrages to manage excess water, which could be diverted to nearby village ponds to mitigate flooding and support water conservation. He also emphasised the need for a long-term strategy, advocating for the interlinking of river basins across the state. This approach, he noted, could redirect surplus water from flood-prone areas to water-scarce regions, reducing flood risks, improving irrigation, enhancing groundwater levels, and ensuring drinking water supply.
The Governor further recommended studying and formulating policies for both interlinking and intralinking river systems to strengthen flood management and water resource utilisation.
Revenue & DM Minister Suresh Pujari assured that the department is fully prepared to handle any emergency and praised the dedication of officials and field staff in managing the crisis effectively.
