Bhubaneswar, 23 October (H.S.): Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Commerce and Transport Department, emphasised the importance of ensuring quick responses to any disruptions in transport and public safety during a detailed dashboard review. She highlighted the necessity for full operational readiness in anticipation of Cyclone Dana.

The directives focused on enhancing coordination and efficiency across transport and waterway systems. All officers of the Commerce and Transport Department were instructed to be fully prepared for the cyclone's impact.

The Transport Commissioner and Regional Transport Authorities (RTAs) are tasked with ensuring that transport systems remain operational and responsive during emergencies. The Director of Ports and Inland Water Transport (IWT) has been directed to issue a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for cyclone preparedness along waterways and coastal regions, with an emphasis on safety coordination. Field officials have been instructed to remain on high alert for scenarios before, during, and after the cyclone.

The State Transport Authority (STA) has also advised caution regarding the potential cyclone and has recommended avoiding travel unless absolutely necessary.

Transport Commissioner Amitav Thakur, CMD of OSRTC Diptesh Kumar Pattanaik, Director of Ports and IWT Padmalochan Roul, Director of Printing and Stationery Arun Kumar Ray, and other senior officials have underscored the coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to ensure an effective disaster response.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda