THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, NOVEMBER 1, 2026

The Odisha Government has stepped up relief, restoration and emergency response operations across cyclone-affected urban areas in the aftermath of Cyclone Arnab, with the Housing and Urban Development Department mounting an intensive drive to restore essential services, strengthen field-level operations and extend humanitarian assistance to affected households.

Brahmapur, among the key focus areas, is witnessing accelerated efforts to restore normal water supply, with work at the Janivili Intake being undertaken on a war footing. Against the city's daily requirement of 90 million litres per day (MLD), water supply has been augmented to 70 MLD through surface water sources and production wells.

Of the total supply, 64 MLD is being sourced from the surface water system, while another 6 MLD is being provided through 15 production wells mobilised as an emergency measure. To ensure uninterrupted distribution, particularly in affected localities, 20 water tankers, including 12 private tankers, have been pressed into service.

The department has also strengthened chlorination measures at treatment plants and distribution points to ensure the safety of drinking water. Pre-chlorination at 4 ppm, post-chlorination at 10 ppm and additional chlorination at 2 ppm in tail-end distribution zones are being maintained. Meanwhile, water supply in Hinjilicut and Gopalpur continues to function smoothly.

Restoration of the damaged Janivili Intake has been accorded top priority. As an immediate intervention, a temporary sandbag barrier is being constructed across Connecticut Nala near the intake point to restrict water flow and facilitate repair and restoration work. The operation began at 5 AM on Sunday, with around 120 labourers, three excavators and two tractors deployed. Nearly 20,000 sandbags are proposed to be placed to create the temporary barrier.

Arrangements have also been made for transportation of materials, electricity, lighting, accommodation, food and drinking water to ensure that the operation continues without interruption, including during night hours. Cleaning, repair and restoration of the intake infrastructure will begin immediately after the required restriction of water flow is achieved.

The restoration operations are being personally monitored by Additional Chief Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee, Director, Municipal Administration, Arindam Dakua, and Managing Director, WATCO, Debabrata Mohanty. They are coordinating with field officials to ensure speedy execution of restoration works and early normalisation of water supply.

In a move to further strengthen ground-level operations, the department has deployed five additional engineers from different Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to Brahmapur Municipal Corporation with effect from November 1. Their services have been placed at the disposal of the Municipal Commissioner to reinforce the technical workforce and expedite flood management, relief and restoration activities.

The engineers deployed include Ajay Kumar Jani, Assistant Engineer, Athgada NAC; Rashmi Ranjan Behera, Junior Engineer, KMC; Aditya Mishra, Assistant Engineer, Gunupur Municipality; Biswaranjan Parida, Junior Engineer, Puri Municipal Corporation; and Bhavani Shankar Behera, Junior Engineer, Chatrapur Municipality.

Meanwhile, the department has directed the District Urban Development Agency (DUDA) teams of Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Malkangiri, Koraput and Rayagada districts to expedite the preparation and submission of Preliminary Damage Assessment Reports. The reports will be consolidated and forwarded to the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) for necessary action.

Emphasising the importance of timely intervention and accountability, Padhee has directed all Executive Officers of ULBs to ensure regular reporting and close monitoring of relief and restoration activities until normalcy is fully restored. They have been asked to submit details of road repairs, relief operations, restoration of essential services, sanitation measures and other interventions undertaken in their respective jurisdictions, besides identifying additional requirements for support from the State Government and other agencies.

In a strong message underscoring the humanitarian dimension of disaster response, Padhee has urged Executive Officers and field-level personnel to go beyond routine official responsibilities and stand beside affected citizens like friendly neighbours.

She has particularly called for the mobilisation of Community Organisers, Sahajog Saathis and sanitation workers to provide direct assistance to vulnerable and affected households. The initiatives include helping families clean their cyclone-affected homes, ensuring drinking water reaches hard-to-access areas, assisting residents in resuming their daily activities and facilitating eligible beneficiaries in accessing government relief assistance.

The department has also encouraged ULBs and field teams to document and share inspiring instances of community support, kindness and solidarity during the recovery process.

To ensure that administrative and financial constraints do not impede emergency operations, additional administrative and operational support has been extended to Brahmapur Municipal Corporation and other affected ULBs. Additional officials have been deployed, while urban local bodies have been authorised to utilise available financial resources as required for emergency response and restoration activities.

The Directorate of Municipal Administration is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with concerned authorities to ensure prompt interventions across affected urban centres.

The Housing and Urban Development Department has reiterated its commitment to sustained supervision of relief and restoration operations, with particular emphasis on safe drinking water, restoration of essential services, strengthened technical support and compassionate assistance to affected families. All officials and field teams have been directed to remain vigilant, responsive and proactive until complete normalcy is restored.