Following extensive rain-induced disruptions across several river basins, the Principal Secretary of the Department of Water Resources conducted a comprehensive review of the ongoing flood situation and directed field teams to accelerate infrastructure restoration in vulnerable zones.
Senior departmental officials, including the Engineer-in-Chief, are executing daily field inspections to ensure the swift repair of damaged flood embankments, irrigation canals, and anicuts while engaging directly with affected local communities. An entire divisional team remains deployed on the ground to oversee critical structural repairs and maintain 24-hour vigilance along fragile river stretches.
Field functionaries led by the Engineer-in-Chief-cum-Special Secretary, Additional Chief Engineer (RB Basin), and General Manager of the Odisha Construction Corporation (OCC) recently inspected critical damages, including the washed-away Rushikulya Flood Bank and the head reach of the Main Canal at the Hiradharabati Anicut near Hanumanpali.
Engineers have already achieved major breakthroughs in containment:
- Ramanadi Main Canal: Service embankment restoration at RD 14,350 m has been successfully completed.
- Badani River: The major breach on the right bank near Ratanga village is now fully closed.
Repair operations are currently progressing at multiple critical locations:
- Ghodahada River: Work is actively underway on the right flood bank at RD 15,400 m (near Khairabethi) and RD 21,360 m (near Baichabania, Hinjilicut), alongside left service bank repairs at Jakemeripalli.
- Bhanjanagar & Harabhangi Divisions: Breach-closing teams are working continuously near Cheramaria, Kendupadar, Bethuara, and sections under the Pitala area. Restoration of the Left Distributary under Harabhangi Irrigation Sub-Division-II in Badagada is also progressing.
- Loharakhandi River: Temporary breach closures are being executed along the left bank near Khalasahi–Patra Colony and the right bank near Kushapalli and Bhaliakhai.
- Rushikulya Basin: Teams are restoring damaged structures at Keshpur and upstream of the Handighar Bridge in Purushottampur Block, as well as the B Branch Canal near Kukudakhandi.
Round-the-clock watch and ward protocol remains active across key river systems. Surveillance along the Nagavali River near the RD Bridge at Kottapeta (Rayagada Block) confirms stable water levels. Similarly, monitoring teams along the Mahendratanaya River near Machhamara village, Paralakhemundi Bridge, and BN Palace in Gajapati district report a receding trend.
To mitigate urban flooding risks, pre-cyclone congestion clearance was executed on the Bahana Nalla at Laudi Gaon Bridge by the Drainage Division, Brahmapur. Meanwhile, controlled releases and storage levels at the Harabhangi Reservoir are being strictly monitored to balance downstream safety with agricultural water demands.
Officials emphasized that field units will remain on high alert until all breaches are permanently secured and full irrigation delivery is restored to local farmers.
