Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department has stepped up its flood response across the state, cancelling the leave of all officials engaged in flood management and launching round-the-clock monitoring to tackle waterlogging and ensure relief measures in affected urban areas.

The department has intensified emergency operations following heavy rainfall that has triggered flooding and severe waterlogging in several districts, particularly Balasore, Bhadrak and Jajpur.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said all concerned officers have been directed to remain on high alert and ensure 24x7 monitoring of the situation.

"The leave of all officers and employees engaged in flood management has been cancelled. A 24-hour departmental control room is continuously monitoring the situation and coordinating immediate response wherever required," the minister said.

ULBs asked to intensify drainage operations

The department has instructed all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in affected areas to deploy adequate manpower, heavy machinery and additional pump sets to remove water from roads, residential colonies and other inundated locations on a war footing.

Authorities have also been directed to clean drains, culverts and drainage channels to restore the normal flow of water and prevent further waterlogging.

The H&UD Department has asked ULBs to ensure uninterrupted essential services in flood-affected areas, including the supply of safe drinking water, cooked food, dry rations and lighting wherever required.

Local administrations have also been instructed to provide immediate assistance to affected residents and shift people from vulnerable areas to safer locations wherever necessary.

Coordination with other departments

Dr. Mahapatra said the flood situation is being closely monitored under the direction of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, with the H&UD Department working in coordination with the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, district administrations and other agencies to ensure timely drainage, rescue and relief operations.

'Strong Drainage Master Plan' for urban areas

Announcing a long-term strategy to tackle recurring urban flooding, the minister said the state government will prepare a 'Strong Drainage Master Plan' for all Urban Local Bodies across Odisha.

The proposed master plan will include a scientific assessment of natural water flow, existing drainage systems, rainfall patterns, drainage routes, water-holding capacity and future urbanisation.

Based on these studies, the government will undertake phased projects for the construction, expansion and rehabilitation of drainage infrastructure to make Odisha's cities more resilient to floods and waterlogging.

"The government is committed not only to providing immediate relief during the current flood situation but also to implementing permanent, scientific and sustainable solutions to the recurring problem of urban waterlogging," Dr. Mahapatra said.

The H&UD Department reiterated its commitment to ensuring public safety through swift emergency response measures while strengthening urban infrastructure to better withstand future extreme weather events.