Brahmapur: With Ganjam facing the possibility of a cyclone on November 18 and 19, the district administration has sounded a high alert and initiated extensive precautionary measures, setting a zero-casualty target to safeguard lives, livestock and property.
A high-level preparedness meeting of departmental officials was held at Chhatrapur on Saturday under the chairmanship of Collector V Keerthi Vasan, who directed all departments to remain on alert and ensure coordinated action to meet any eventuality. Drawing lessons from the devastation caused by Cyclone Arnab and the subsequent floods, he stressed the need for advance preparedness rather than a last-minute response.
The Fisheries Department has been directed to ensure that all fishermen currently out at sea return to the shore by November 16. Fishing activities will remain prohibited thereafter. A public awareness campaign through loudspeakers will begin in all blocks from Sunday to sensitise people about the impending weather threat. BDOs will coordinate with elected representatives, Self-Help Groups and local communities to disseminate warnings and safety advisories.
The Collector instructed field-level officials to inspect all cyclone shelters and ensure the availability of drinking water, food, electricity, lighting and sanitation facilities. Vulnerable people will be shifted to safer locations whenever necessary.
Pregnant women will be identified and moved to safer places in advance through coordinated efforts of the Health and Social Welfare departments.
Special arrangements have also been directed for livestock protection. Health centres will be stocked with essential medicines, including anti-snake venom injections, while the Animal Resources Development Department will make arrangements for the safe accommodation of cattle and other domestic animals.
Ensuring uninterrupted essential services will be another priority. The RWSS and WATCO have been asked to keep water tankers ready, inspect pipelines and undertake emergency repairs. The Food Supplies Department will maintain adequate stocks of flattened rice, jaggery, biscuits and bottled drinking water. Electricity, Fire Services, Telecommunications, Works, Water Resources and Irrigation departments have also been instructed to keep their manpower and equipment ready.
Particular emphasis was laid on monitoring drainage channels, including Kharkhari Nala, to prevent waterlogging and ensure the smooth discharge of rainwater. Farmers have been advised to harvest matured crops before the expected rainfall, while the Agriculture and Irrigation departments will coordinate measures to minimise crop losses and facilitate the drainage of excess water.
In the event of a Red Warning, BDOs will submit ground-level preparedness and situation reports twice daily, at 9 am and 7 pm. A 24-hour district control room will remain operational, with NDRF, ODRAF and Fire Services teams kept ready for rescue and evacuation operations. The Collector directed that no government officer should leave headquarters without prior permission.
Meanwhile, relief measures for nearly 80,000 hectares of agricultural land affected by floods following Cyclone Arnab are underway. Affected families are being provided 50 kg of rice and financial aid of Rs 2,500, while input assistance and crop insurance benefits are being processed.
In view of the ongoing relief and restoration work, the Sunday holiday for government employees has been cancelled across the district. The public grievance hearing scheduled for Monday has also been postponed.
The Collector appealed to people to remain vigilant, follow official advisories and cooperate with the administration by moving to designated safe shelters whenever required.
Officials from all major departments attended the meeting and apprised the Collector of their preparedness measures.
