In view of the public health challenges that may arise in the aftermath of flooding, Odisha’s Housing & Urban Development Department Additional Chief Secretary, Usha Padhee, IAS, has directed all Executive Officers and Engineers of Urban Local Bodies to remain alert and ensure uninterrupted access to safe and clean drinking water for every household.
Emphasising the need for preventive action, Smt. Padhee instructed that all drinking water sources, including community water sources and other public facilities, must be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and sanitised to eliminate the risk of water contamination and prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases.
She further stressed that post-flood sanitation must receive equal priority. All affected areas should be properly cleaned, with immediate removal of accumulated waste, debris and stagnant water. Necessary measures must be taken to restore hygienic conditions and prevent any threat to public health.
Directing the officers to treat the matter as an urgent public health priority, ACS Padhee called for personal monitoring of the situation by the concerned Executive Officers and Engineers. She also instructed them to ensure regular reporting of the measures undertaken, supported by photographs and periodic status updates, through the prescribed communication channels.
Reiterating that public health and safety must remain paramount, Padhee emphasised that there should be no compromise whatsoever in ensuring the quality and safety of drinking water and maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in urban areas.
The Housing & Urban Development Department has called upon all Urban Local Bodies to take immediate and coordinated action, maintain close field-level vigilance and ensure that essential civic and sanitation services remain fully responsive to the needs of citizens.
