States » EastPosted at: Nov 15 2026 8:36PM


Odisha on high alert as Low-Pressure System brews over Bay of Bengal

Bhubaneswar, Nov 15 (UNI) With a developing low-pressure system over the southeast Bay of Bengal raising the possibility of rainfall and increased river flows, the Odisha Government has stepped up its flood preparedness, placing the Water Resources Department on high alert to deal with any eventuality.
The department has intensified surveillance of reservoir water levels, reviewed existing flood management strategies and finalised a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for reservoir operations to ensure a coordinated and timely response to the evolving weather situation.
The preparedness measures were reviewed at a high-level virtual meeting chaired by Engineer-in-Chief, Water Resources, Dillip Kumar Rout. Senior officials, including the Engineer-in-Chief of Planning and Designs, Engineer-in-Chief of Schemes and Monitoring, Chief Engineer of RBVN, Additional Chief Engineers and Superintending Engineers, attended the meeting.
During the review, officials examined the latest forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), focusing on the possibility of rainfall, increased river discharge, anticipated reservoir inflows and the need for prudent water management.
Particular attention was drawn to the increased water storage recorded in eight medium reservoirs in Ganjam district and two medium reservoirs in neighbouring Gajapati district following Cyclone Arnab. Officials assessed the prevailing storage levels in these reservoirs and discussed suitable operational measures in view of the emerging weather conditions.
Taking into account the existing reservoir storage and the weather forecast, the department finalised an SOP to regulate reservoir operations and ensure effective coordination among concerned officials during the anticipated weather event.
The meeting also underscored the importance of round-the-clock monitoring of reservoir levels, close coordination among different departmental divisions and timely decision-making to minimise potential flood risks.
Field-level officials have been directed to maintain heightened vigilance and remain fully prepared to respond swiftly to any emergency.
With the weather system developing over the Bay of Bengal, the Water Resources Department is keeping a close watch on the situation to ensure that necessary precautionary measures are taken well in advance to safeguard people and minimise the risk of flooding across the state.
UNI DP
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