Bhubaneswar, Jun 10: In preparation for the upcoming monsoon and potential flood situations, Odisha’s Water Resources Department has placed all its field and office personnel on high alert and imposed restrictions on routine leave to ensure a rapid and effective emergency response.

The decision was taken during a high-level pre-flood preparedness review meeting chaired by the department’s Principal Secretary. Officials have been instructed not to leave their headquarters without obtaining prior approval from the competent authority, ensuring adequate manpower remains available during the critical monsoon period.

The meeting comprehensively reviewed flood management strategies, reservoir operations, embankment safety measures and emergency response mechanisms. All officers and staff have been directed to remain on standby throughout the season to tackle possible floods, embankment breaches, controlled release of reservoir water and other disaster-related situations.

To strengthen coordination at the grassroots level, field officers have been asked to work closely with district administrations, police authorities, revenue officials, Panchayati Raj institutions and disaster management teams. They have also been directed to maintain updated contact details of key government officials, elected representatives, contractors and machinery suppliers to facilitate immediate deployment during emergencies.

As part of the preparedness plan, 24×7 flood control rooms will operate at all divisions, circles, Chief Engineer offices and at Rajiv Bhawan until October 31. Personnel posted in these control rooms have been instructed to remain available round-the-clock.

The department has also identified embankment stretches that witnessed breaches during the past three years and directed officials to maintain strict vigilance over these vulnerable locations. Authorities have further emphasized strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for reservoir gate operations, warning that any negligence in flood management duties will be viewed seriously.

The measures are aimed at ensuring timely action and minimizing risks to lives and property during the monsoon season.

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