Bhubaneswar, 10 June (H.S.): In a bid to strengthen flood preparedness and ensure swift response during the monsoon season, the Odisha Water Resources Department has imposed restrictions on leave for its employees and directed officials not to leave their headquarters without prior approval from the competent authority.

The decision was taken during a pre-flood preparedness review meeting chaired by the Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department. The meeting reviewed flood management strategies, river embankment safety measures, reservoir operations, and emergency service delivery across the state.

As per the department's directives, all officers have been instructed to remain on high alert throughout the flood season and be readily available to respond to emergencies, including flooding, embankment breaches, reservoir water releases, and other disaster-related incidents.

To ensure effective coordination during emergencies, field-level officials have been asked to maintain close communication with district administrations, police, revenue authorities, Panchayati Raj institutions, and disaster management agencies. They have also been directed to keep updated contact details of key officials, public representatives, and equipment suppliers for immediate use when required.

To facilitate round-the-clock monitoring and prompt decision-making, 24x7 flood control rooms will remain operational until October 31 at all departmental divisions, circles, Chief Engineer offices, and Rajiv Bhavan. Officers assigned to these control rooms have been instructed to remain available at all times.

During the review meeting, officials were further directed to closely monitor embankment breach-prone locations identified over the last three years. Emphasis was also placed on strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for reservoir gate operations and ensuring zero negligence in flood management activities

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda