In a proactive move to safeguard the state from potential flooding during the upcoming monsoon season, the Odisha government has laid out a comprehensive preparedness plan.
Under the leadership of Development Commissioner-cum-ACS Smt. Anu Garg, IAS, key government officials convened to ensure robust flood management strategies are in place.
From June 1 to October 31, 2025, flood control rooms will be operational round the clock at Chief Engineer offices, the E.I.C office, and the State Hydrological Data Centre in Rajiv Bhawan. The government has confirmed that joint inspections of all river embankments have been conducted, ensuring that they remain structurally sound. In 2024, Odisha recorded zero breaches, a testament to the effectiveness of its flood control initiatives.
To prevent obstructions in water channels, coffer dams and drainage obstacles will be removed by June 15. Mock drills for gates in major and medium projects, including barrages and weirs, have already been conducted to assess their efficiency. Moreover, a comprehensive inventory of flood-fighting materials—including sandbags, bamboo, brushwood, and equipment like excavators, JCBs, and water tankers—has been mobilised for emergency response.
In collaboration with the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), daily flood and rainfall forecasts will be disseminated to the public. The contact details of dedicated officers for flood control and drainage issues will be shared with relevant authorities to ensure swift action when needed. Additionally, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be strictly observed to enhance response efficiency.
Senior officials from the Department of Water Resources, along with engineers across various divisions, attended the flood preparedness meeting in both physical and virtual modes. With proactive flood mitigation strategies, Odisha is gearing up to tackle the monsoon season, ensuring minimal impact on residents and infrastructure.
For more updates, stay tuned!
