The Government of Odisha has initiated a massive post-cyclone sanitation drive across three key southern districts—Gajapati, Ganjam, and Kandhamala—to avert potential health crises and prevent the outbreak of vector-borne and waterborne diseases.
In an official directive issued to the Chief Development Officers-cum-Executive Officers (CDO-cum-EOs) of the respective Zilla Parishads, Girish S. N., IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Government, highlighted the critical need for immediate environmental cleanup. The government noted that accumulating debris, stagnant water, overflowing drains, damaged latrines, and rotting organic waste have significantly escalated the risk of dengue, malaria, and communicable diseases in cyclone-affected rural habitations.
To mitigate these risks and restore safe living conditions, the state government has directed district officials to immediately mobilise local sanitation workers, youth groups, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Key Directives Issued by the State Government:
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Targeted Cleanliness Blitz: Execute special drives across all villages, giving immediate priority to cyclone-ravaged habitations.
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Debris Clearance: Clear fallen trees, branches, leaves, and accumulated trash from roads, streets, public spaces, and community grounds.
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Silt & Sludge Removal: Clear thick silt, mud, and blockages from village drains and roadside channels to restore proper flow.
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Disinfection Operations: Thoroughly clean and disinfect drains, septic tank surroundings, and community toilet complexes.
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Odour Control & Organic Waste Disposal: Collect and safely dispose of decomposing organic waste and dead vegetation responsible for foul odours.
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Public Infrastructure Cleanup: Ensure scientific waste collection and disposal from high-footfall premises including markets, schools, and Anganwadi centres.
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Dewatering Stagnant Water: Deploy heavy-duty pumps to drain out accumulated flood and rainwater from public spaces and low-lying areas.
To ensure swift execution without administrative delays, the government has empowered Gram Panchayats to utilise available Finance Commission (FC) grants, Gram Panchayat Own Source Revenue (GP OSR) funds, or other permissible financial resources in compliance with applicable guidelines.
Emphasising the critical nature of the situation, the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department has categorised the assignment as “Most Urgent.” The state headquarters will monitor and review the progress of these sanitation activities on a daily basis to safeguard public health in the affected rural communities.
