THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, MAY 26, 2026
In a decisive move to strengthen disaster readiness ahead of the ensuing
monsoon season and mitigate potential flood risks, the Water Resources
Department of Odisha convened a high-level pre-flood preparedness review
meeting on Tuesday, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding lives and
infrastructure under its “Zero Casualty” objective.
The meeting, chaired by Principal Secretary Shubha Sarma and attended by
Engineer-in-Chief Bibhuti Bhusan Dash, undertook a comprehensive assessment of
the department’s multi-layered flood management strategy. Senior officials
reviewed the operational readiness of embankments, river systems, and emergency
response mechanisms, with a strong directive to ensure seamless coordination
across all field units.
A detailed review of the “Flood Contingency Plan” formed the core of the
deliberations, with emphasis on the structural health of river embankments and
the progress of repair and restoration works undertaken after last year’s flood
damage. Officials were strictly instructed to fast-track all pending works on a
war footing before the onset of heavy rainfall, ensuring that vulnerable points
are reinforced without delay.
The meeting also evaluated the functionality of sluice gates across
embankments and stressed accelerated desiltation of drainage channels to
address persistent waterlogging concerns in both urban and rural areas. Based
on findings from recent mock drills conducted at major dams, the preparedness
of flood gate operations and on-ground response systems was critically
assessed, along with strategies for efficient floodwater management.
Special focus was placed on ensuring uninterrupted inter-agency
coordination, with clear instructions to strengthen communication between the
Water Resources Department, district administrations, police authorities, and
local representatives. The meeting further directed urgent clearance of
riverbeds and obstruction points to ensure smooth water flow during peak
monsoon conditions.
In addition, a thorough stock-taking of essential flood-fighting
materials such as sandbags, bamboo poles, wire meshes, and emergency response
equipment was carried out. Officials were instructed to ensure the immediate
availability of all critical resources and maintain round-the-clock vigilance
at all identified sensitive and vulnerable locations.
Reinforcing institutional preparedness, the department confirmed that
dedicated Flood Control Rooms will operate 24x7 at all Division, Circle, and
Chief Engineer offices from June 1 to October 31. Simultaneously, the Flood
Cells at the office of the Engineer-in-Chief (Secha Sadan) and the Department
of Water Resources at the State Hydrological Data Centre (SHDC), Rajiv Bhawan,
Bhubaneswar, will function round-the-clock throughout the monsoon period.
The operational framework of the SHDC was also reviewed in detail, with the Special Inspection team under the Engineer-in-Chief mandated to issue official Flood Bulletins twice daily to ensure timely dissemination of hydrological updates and warnings. Strengthening inter-state coordination, the department placed special emphasis on real-time water flow data exchange with neighbouring co-basin states to enhance early warning capabilities.
Senior engineers and departmental officers participated in the meeting, while Chief Engineers of major projects joined virtually, providing real-time updates on preparedness measures across their respective jurisdictions, reaffirming the state’s integrated approach to monsoon risk management.
