Bhubaneswar, 01 July (H.S.): With heavy monsoon rains continuing across Odisha and the threat of urban flooding and waterlogging looming over several areas, the State Government has placed all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) on high alert and directed them to ensure round-the-clock preparedness to tackle any rain-related emergencies.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krishna Chandra Mohapatra on Wednesday instructed all Municipal Corporations, Municipalities and Notified Area Councils to take immediate preventive and precautionary measures to minimize the impact of heavy rainfall, particularly in vulnerable and low-lying areas.

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.

Following the Minister's directive, the Housing and Urban Development Department issued an advisory to all ULBs, asking them to intensify monitoring and strengthen emergency response mechanisms to prevent urban flooding and waterlogging.

The Department has directed ULBs to keep Rapid Action Teams (RATs) on standby round the clock and ensure prompt deployment whenever required. Municipal officers, engineers and sanitation personnel have been instructed to conduct regular field inspections and take immediate action to clear waterlogged areas, unclog drains, address overflowing sewer lines, remove fallen trees and restore normal civic services without delay.

The advisory also calls for keeping pumps, dewatering equipment, machinery and other emergency response systems in operational readiness. ULBs have been asked to maintain constant surveillance of flood-prone locations and work in close coordination with district administrations, disaster management authorities and other line departments to ensure swift and effective response during emergencies.

To facilitate seamless public communication during the monsoon, the State's urban grievance helpline, Sahar Sathi (1929), has been fully activated. Citizens have been urged to report incidents of waterlogging, drainage blockages and other civic issues through the helpline for immediate redressal by the concerned Urban Local Body.

Reaffirming the Government's commitment to public safety and resilient urban governance, Dr. Mohapatra stressed the importance of advance planning, proactive intervention and coordinated action among all agencies to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall.

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

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda