THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
JULY 6, 2026
Saying that the
potential flood situation in Odisha is "completely under control"
despite continuous rainfall across several parts of the State, Revenue and
Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Monday assured that the
Government is fully prepared to tackle any eventuality. He also directed
district administrations to conduct immediate assessments of crop damage caused
by the rains and ensure that compensation is disbursed to affected farmers
within 24 hours of the completion of the survey.
The Minister made the
statement after chairing a high-level review meeting at the Office of the
Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) at Rajiv Bhawan on Monday to assess the
rising water level in the Baitarani River and review the State's flood
preparedness. The meeting examined the river's current status, the possible
flood scenario, vulnerable areas and population, evacuation and rescue plans,
shelter home management, availability of relief materials and deployment of
rescue teams.
Continuous rainfall
over the past few days has affected several parts of Odisha. However, officials
informed that the water levels in the Mahanadi, Devi, Jalaka, Kushabhadra,
Rushikulya and Ib rivers remain below the danger mark.
Addressing the media
after the meeting, Pujari said the administration has been instructed to
provide immediate assistance to anyone requiring evacuation or emergency
support. He stated that although the Baitarani River has recorded a rise in
water level at Anandapur and Akhuapada, it continues to flow well below the
danger level. He added that the Revenue and Disaster Management Department is
maintaining constant vigil over the water levels of all major rivers.
The Minister said no
significant loss of life or damage to houses has so far been reported due to
the continuous rainfall. He emphasised that the Government, in close
coordination with district administrations and all concerned departments, is
fully prepared to respond to any emerging situation.
Taking note of
reports of crop damage from some areas, Pujari directed district
administrations to immediately conduct field surveys, assess the extent of
losses and submit reports to the Revenue and Disaster Management Department. He
instructed officials to ensure that compensation is released to affected
farmers within 24 hours after the damage assessment is completed.
The review also
focused on preparedness for possible snakebite incidents following the
recession of floodwaters. Hospitals have been directed to maintain adequate
stocks of anti-venom, while necessary preventive measures have been put in
place.
The Minister further
announced that after the conclusion of the Rath Yatra, a comprehensive review
meeting with all 30 district administrations will be convened to strengthen
preparedness and management strategies for disasters that may arise from
continued rainfall.
Special Relief
Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil informed the meeting that sufficient stocks
of polythene sheets and other relief materials are available and that Odisha
Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams are fully prepared for deployment. He
also said regular early warning messages are being disseminated to residents of
vulnerable areas.
The review meeting
was attended by Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, Additional
Special Relief Commissioner Padmanabha Behera and other senior officials. The
Collectors of Jajpur and Bhadrak, along with other district-level officials,
participated through virtual mode.
