Bhubaneswar, May 23 (UNI) The Odisha Housing & Urban Development Department has unveiled a comprehensive Urban Flood and Water Logging Management Action Plan for all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the state.

This initiative is designed to protect public health, infrastructure, and urban livelihoods through a series of preventive, preparatory, and responsive measures, in anticipation of an above-normal southwest monsoon forecast for June to September 2025.

Key highlights of the action plan include:

A 100 percent inspection, desilting, and repair drive of all drains and manholes in ULBs will be conducted to ensure free flow of storm water.

Special attention will be given to repairing damaged drain covers and removing encroachments

that obstruct drainage channels.

Bar screens and wire meshes will be installed in tertiary drains to filter solid waste and prevent blockages during heavy rains. Local personnel will monitor these sites and carry out continuous waste removal.

Roads blocked due to fallen trees or debris following cyclonic events will be cleared promptly, with

a road restoration deadline of 72 hours.

Drinking water services will be restored immediately after disruptions, coordinated by WATCO and PHEO in collaboration with ULBs.

Water-logging hotspots will be identified, and pump sets along with emergency equipment will be

pre-deployed. Zone-level officers will be appointed to manage real-time emergency responses.

Existing Multi-Purpose Cyclone Shelters (MCS/MFS) and designated public buildings will be prepared to serve as emergency shelters. These facilities will be equipped to ensure structural safety, clean water, sanitation, food supply, and security, with special provisions for women and vulnerable populations.

Measures to control vector- and water-borne diseases will include larvicide application, fogging, and sanitation drives, conducted in collaboration with the Health and Sanitation Departments.

All ULBs will establish monsoon-specific Control Rooms operating 24/7 throughout the season to address public grievances related to water logging, road blockages, and water supply issues.

Elected representatives, ward committees, local volunteers, and Women Self-Help Groups

(WSHGs) will be actively engaged in preparedness and response efforts at the local level.

A high-level inter-departmental coordination meeting is scheduled before the first week of

June 2025.

Participants will include officials from Fire Services, the Drainage Division, Minor Irrigation, and

other relevant stakeholders, aimed at streamlining efforts and ensuring resource readiness.

Odisha Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra stated, “Our goal

is to ensure that urban areas remain resilient, safe, and prepared for the challenges of an intense monsoon.”

The State Government urged all citizens to cooperate with local authorities, adhere to safety advisories, and promptly report emergencies to the designated ULB Control Rooms.

UNI DP BM