Bhubaneswar, July 6 {UDN}: As continuous monsoon rainfall persists across Odisha, the State Government has placed all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) on high alert due to the risk of waterlogging and urban flooding. The directive aims to ensure swift action in case of any rain-related emergency.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra has instructed the department and all ULBs to remain fully prepared to tackle any situation arising from the heavy rains. He emphasized that the safety of citizens and the uninterrupted delivery of essential public services remain the government’s highest priorities. Therefore, all ULBs have been directed to stay vigilant and respond immediately to any emergency.
Following the Minister’s instructions, the department has issued advisories to all Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, and Notified Area Councils (NACs). They have been asked to take all necessary preventive measures to avoid waterlogging in identified flood-prone hotspots and low-lying areas.
The advisory further directs authorities to maintain 24×7 monitoring of the situation, keep Rapid Action Teams fully operational, ensure that pumps and dewatering equipment remain functional, and keep the drainage system ready for immediate use to prevent flooding.
The government has also stressed coordinated action among civic agencies to minimize public inconvenience and ensure a quick response during any weather-related emergency. Citizens have been advised to remain alert, avoid waterlogged areas whenever possible, and follow official weather advisories until the heavy rainfall subsides.