Bhubaneswar: Amid continuous monsoon rains and the possibility of urban flooding and waterlogging in several parts of Odisha, Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra has directed all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the State to remain on high alert and ensure immediate preparedness to tackle any rain-related exigencies.

"Protection of citizens and uninterrupted delivery of civic services during the monsoon season is our top priority. All Urban Local Bodies must remain fully prepared and respond swiftly to any emergency situation," the Minister said.

Acting on the Minister's directions, the Housing and Urban Development Department has issued advisory to all Municipal Corporations, Municipalities and Notified Area Councils, asking them to take all preventive and precautionary measures to avoid urban flooding and waterlogging, particularly in identified hotspots and low-lying areas vulnerable to inundation.

The department has instructed ULBs to maintain round-the-clock monitoring of the situation and keep their Rapid Action Teams (RATs) fully deployed and ready for immediate response. Municipal officers, engineers and sanitation personnel have been directed to undertake intensive field inspections and promptly address issues relating to waterlogging, blocked drains, overflowing sewers, fallen trees and other civic emergencies.

ULBs have also been asked to ensure the operational readiness of pumps, dewatering equipment, machinery and emergency response systems. Special emphasis has been laid on constant surveillance of vulnerable locations and close coordination with district administrations, disaster management authorities and other line departments to facilitate prompt and effective action.

To ensure seamless communication with citizens during the monsoon, the State's urban grievance redressal helpline, Sahar Sathi (1929), has been fully activated. Citizens can report incidents of waterlogging, drainage issues and other civic emergencies through the helpline for immediate attention and resolution by the concerned Urban Local Bodies.

Reiterating the Government's commitment to citizen safety and resilient urban management, Mohapatra emphasized the need for advance planning, proactive intervention and coordinated efforts by agencies to minimize the impact of heavy rainfall.

The Housing and Urban Development Department is closely monitoring the situation across the State and has assured all necessary support to Urban Local Bodies to effectively manage monsoon-related challenges and ensure the safety, convenience and well-being of urban residents.