The Housing & Urban Development (H&UD) Department has stepped up emergency measures to tackle the flood and waterlogging situation caused by heavy rainfall across northern Odisha, particularly in Baleshwar, Bhadrak and Jajpur districts.
Minister Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said the department is on full alert, prioritising public safety, rapid water drainage and relief operations. All officers’ leave has been cancelled, and a 24‑hour control room is monitoring developments and coordinating immediate response.
Urban Local Bodies have been instructed to deploy additional manpower, machinery and pumpsets to remove water from roads and residential areas on a war footing. Simultaneously, drains, culverts and channels are being cleared to restore natural water flow and prevent further waterlogging.
Essential services such as safe drinking water, cooked and dry food, and lighting are being ensured in affected areas. Local administrations have been asked to provide immediate assistance and relocate residents from vulnerable zones to safer locations.
Dr Mahapatra said the situation is being continuously monitored under the directions of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, with close coordination between the Revenue & Disaster Management Department, district administrations, and other agencies.
Emphasising a long‑term solution, the Minister announced that the State Government will prepare a Strong Drainage Master Plan for all Urban Local Bodies to address recurring urban waterlogging. The plan will assess natural water flow, drainage networks, rainfall patterns and future urbanisation, leading to phased construction and rehabilitation of drainage infrastructure.
“The Government is committed not only to providing immediate relief but also to implementing permanent, scientific and sustainable solutions to urban waterlogging,” Dr Mahapatra said.
