In view of the rising water level in the Baitarani River caused by continuous rainfall in its catchment area and the possibility of a flood situation, Minister for Revenue & Disaster Management, Suresh Pujari, today conducted a high-level review meeting at the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), Rajiv Bhawan.
The meeting comprehensively reviewed the current water level of the Baitarani River, the anticipated flood situation, the likely affected areas and population, preparedness measures undertaken by the district administrations, evacuation and rescue arrangements, management of shelter homes, availability of relief materials, and deployment of rescue teams.
It is noteworthy that continuous rainfall over the past few days has affected several parts of Odisha. However, the water levels in the Mahanadi, Devi, Jalaka, Kushabhadra, Rushikulya and Ib rivers remain below the danger level.
Speaking to the media after the review, Minister Pujari stated that the potential flood situation in Odisha is completely under control and that the State Government is fully prepared to deal with any eventuality. He said that the administration has been firmly instructed to ensure that any person requiring evacuation or assistance is provided immediate support.
The Minister informed that although the water level of the Baitarani River has witnessed a relative rise at Anandapur and Akhuapada, it continues to remain well below the danger mark. The Revenue & Disaster Management Department is maintaining constant vigil over the water levels of all major rivers. He further stated that, so far, no significant loss of life or damage to houses has been reported due to the continuous rainfall. The Government, in close coordination with district administrations and all concerned departments, is fully prepared to handle any emerging situation.
The Minister noted that reports of crop damage have been received from a few areas. In this regard, district administrations have been directed to immediately conduct surveys, assess the extent of crop loss and submit reports to the Revenue & Disaster Management Department. Pujari also issued clear instructions that compensation to affected farmers should be disbursed within 24 hours of completion of the damage assessment.
The meeting also discussed preparedness for possible snakebite incidents after the floodwaters recede. Necessary preventive measures have been planned, and hospitals have been instructed to keep adequate stocks of anti-venom readily available.
The Minister further informed that after the conclusion of the Rath Yatra, a detailed review meeting with all 30 district administrations will be convened to discuss preparedness and management strategies for all possible disasters arising from continued rainfall.
Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil informed that adequate stocks of polythene sheets and other relief materials are available, and ODRAF teams are fully prepared for deployment. He also stated that regular early warning messages are being disseminated to people residing in vulnerable areas.
The review meeting was attended by SRC Patil, Additional SRC Padmanabha Behera and other senior officials. The Collectors of Jajpur and Bhadrak, along with other district-level officials concerned, participated in the meeting through virtual mode.
