Urban flooding, a recurring monsoon menace that has repeatedly disrupted life in Odisha’s cities and towns, may finally see a long-term solution.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Saturday announced that a comprehensive big plan is being prepared to permanently tackle the problem.
Speaking in Bhubaneswar, the minister said continuous heavy rainfall this year has triggered severe waterlogging and urban flooding in several places, particularly Balasore, Bhadrak and Puri. “Urban flooding creates adverse situations every time. We are taking extensive steps to deal with it,” Pujari stated.
He revealed that the state government has already begun the process for a lasting solution. Discussions will be held with the Revenue, Housing & Urban Development, Works and Panchayati Raj departments to formulate a robust action plan.
Despite fresh showers, the overall flood situation remains under control. Water levels in all major rivers across Odisha are currently below the danger mark. However, the Jalaka, Rushikulya and Bansadhara rivers have recorded a rise in water levels.
Slight increases have also been noted in the Kushabhadra, Brahmani, Devi, Baitarani, Budhabalanga, Subarnarekha, Rushikulya and Bansadhara rivers following the latest spell of rain, but all continue to flow safely below the danger threshold. On the Mahanadi, levels at Khairamal, Tikarpada and Naraj remain below the danger mark.
The minister noted that residual water from the previous flood spell has not fully drained in Balasore, Bhadrak and Jajpur. As a result, the fresh rains have caused some localised problems in these districts. He assured that the current rainfall is not a cause for major concern.
Emergency response teams are fully prepared. ODRAF, NDRF and fire service units are on high alert, while Revenue Department officials are actively engaged in ground-level relief distribution and damage assessment.
Significant rainfall was recorded in several places: 137 mm in Khandapada, 115 mm in Kuchinda, 110 mm in Kendrapara, 108 mm in Derabish and 96 mm in Badachana.
With the monsoon still active, authorities are closely monitoring the situation. The proposed multi-department plan is expected to bring much-needed permanent relief to residents who have long suffered from waterlogging and urban floods during the rainy season.
