Bhubaneswar, June 10: The Odisha Water Resources Department has placed all field and office staff on high alert ahead of the monsoon and flood season, with routine leave restricted to ensure swift and coordinated emergency response.
The directive was issued during a pre-flood preparedness review meeting chaired by the department’s Principal Secretary, where officials were instructed to remain stationed at their headquarters unless prior approval is obtained from competent authorities.
The review focused on key flood management measures, including embankment safety, reservoir operations, and emergency response systems. Officials have been directed to remain on standby throughout the monsoon season to address potential situations such as flooding, embankment breaches, and controlled water releases.
To strengthen coordination on the ground, field officers have been asked to work closely with district administrations, police, revenue departments, Panchayati Raj institutions, and disaster management teams. Updated contact lists of key officials and equipment suppliers are also being maintained to ensure quick mobilisation during emergencies.
For real-time monitoring, 24×7 flood control rooms will operate across divisions, circles, and key headquarters until October 31, with designated staff required to remain available round the clock.
The department has also identified embankment stretches vulnerable to breaches over the past three years for intensified surveillance. Strict adherence to standard operating procedures for reservoir gate operations has been mandated to prevent lapses in flood management during the critical season.
