Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet has approved a “Comprehensive Flood Management Scheme” with an outlay of Rs 2,781 crore to be implemented over five years, from 2025-26 to 2029-30, aiming to reduce flood-related damage across the State.

Odisha’s geographical location along the Bay of Bengal makes it highly vulnerable to floods, cyclones and storm surges. Nearly 33,400 square kilometres, about one-fifth of the State’s total area, is prone to flooding. Every monsoon, heavy rainfall, rising river levels, siltation, poor drainage systems, and changing climate patterns worsen the situation.

The newly approved scheme seeks to address these challenges through a mix of structural and non-structural measures. Structural interventions will include strengthening and raising embankments, protecting saline embankments, carrying out restoration works and tackling coastal erosion.

Non-structural measures will focus on improving flood forecasting systems, enhancing preparedness, implementing floodplain zoning, introducing procedural reforms, and strengthening rescue and emergency response mechanisms.

Officials said the scheme is designed to minimise damage during flood emergencies while safeguarding lives, villages and agricultural land. It also aims to promote sustainable flood management practices and improve public awareness and preparedness to deal with disasters.

The initiative is expected to significantly strengthen the State’s resilience against recurring floods and climate-related risks.