Bhubaneswar: With heavy rainfall triggering floods and severe waterlogging in parts of north Odisha, the state govt on Thursday announced plans to prepare a comprehensive drainage master plan for all urban local bodies across the state.The announcement came as the housing and urban development department intensified emergency measures in flood-affected districts, particularly Balasore, Bhadrak and Jajpur, where urban infrastructure has come under pressure following incessant rain.Housing and urban development minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said all officers concerned had been directed to remain on high alert, with leaves of personnel engaged in flood management cancelled to ensure uninterrupted response operations.A 24-hour departmental control room has been activated to monitor the evolving situation and coordinate immediate action. Urban Local Bodies have been instructed to deploy additional manpower, machinery and pump sets to drain waterlogged roads, residential areas and public spaces on a war footing.Officials said desilting and clearance of drains, culverts and drainage channels were being undertaken simultaneously to restore the natural flow of water and prevent further inundation.The department has also asked local bodies to ensure availability of essential services, including safe drinking water, cooked food, dry rations and emergency lighting in affected areas. Vulnerable residents are being shifted to safer locations wherever necessary, while district administrations have been directed to provide immediate assistance to those impacted by the flooding.Mahapatra said the flood situation was being monitored continuously under the direction of chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi, with the urban development department coordinating closely with the revenue and disaster management department, district authorities and other agencies involved in rescue and relief operations.Highlighting the need for a permanent solution, the minister said the proposed strong drainage master plan would address the recurring challenge of waterlogging in urban areas across the state. The plan will examine natural drainage patterns, existing stormwater infrastructure, rainfall trends, water-holding capacity, drainage routes and future urban expansion.Based on these findings, the govt plans to take up phased projects for construction, rehabilitation and expansion of drainage networks to make urban centres more resilient to extreme weather events.“The govt is committed not only to providing immediate relief during the present situation but also to implementing permanent, scientific and sustainable solutions to urban waterlogging,” Mahapatra said.
