Bhubaneswar: In a proactive move to prevent flood-related risks during the upcoming monsoon, the Water Resources Department of the state government has issued an urgent directive for the assessment of all river and saline embankments across Odisha. The inspection process is scheduled to be completed by April 30.

Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers have been instructed to prepare detailed, date-wise verification schedules for embankments under their jurisdiction. These schedules must be shared with District Collectors, Superintendents of Police, Sub-Collectors, Tahasildars, and Block Development Officers (BDOs) to ensure coordinated participation in the verification drive.

Villagers will be engaged in verification

The directive also emphasizes community involvement. Local officials such as Revenue Inspectors, Panchayat Executive Officers, and Gram Panchayat Secretaries, along with villagers, will be engaged in the verification process. Junior Engineers and Assistant Engineers are tasked with inspecting 100 per cent of embankments, either on foot or using two-wheelers.

Higher authorities, including Additional Chief Engineers and Superintending Engineers, will verify at least 50 per cent of embankments and all identified vulnerable points. The Chief Engineer will personally inspect 25 per cent of the vulnerable stretches.

Reports to be submitted by May 5

The department has set May 5 as the deadline for submitting detailed reports on the condition of embankments. These reports must follow a prescribed format and be duly countersigned by the concerned authorities before submission.

The move comes as part of the state government's preparedness strategy to strengthen flood management systems and safeguard lives and property during the monsoon season.