The Odisha Water Resources Department has restricted leave for employees during the flood and monsoon season to ensure immediate response to emergencies.
Officials must remain at headquarters unless granted permission from competent authorities.
Principal Secretary chaired a pre-flood preparedness review meeting that focused on flood management, river embankment safety, reservoir operations, and emergency services. The department directed all officers to stay alert throughout the season and respond quickly to flooding, embankment breaches, reservoir water releases, and disaster-related situations.
Field-level officers must coordinate with district administrations, police, revenue officials, Panchayati Raj representatives, and disaster management authorities. The department instructed them to maintain updated contact details of key officers, public representatives, and equipment suppliers for emergency use.
Flood control rooms will operate 24×7 till October 31 at all departmental divisions, circles, Chief Engineer offices, and Rajiv Bhavan. Officers assigned to these control rooms must remain available at all times.
Officials will monitor embankment breach-prone locations identified over the past three years. They must strictly follow Standard Operating Procedures for reservoir gate operations and avoid negligence in flood management activities.
The Odisha Water Resources Department emphasises that these measures strengthen flood preparedness and ensure community safety. By enforcing strict leave restrictions and maintaining round-the-clock control rooms, the department reinforces its commitment to effective flood management and disaster response.
