Odisha CM Asks Officials To Remain Alert For Possible Floods During Monsoon

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday directed the officials to remain prepared for probable flood situation during the monsoon.

Presiding a high-level review meeting of the Water Resources department on the day, Majhi suggested the senior officials to open 24×7 Control Room and take necessary measures for effective management of floods.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary of the department Anu Garg said the Chief Minister advised the officials to strengthen river embankments and focus on weak and vulnerable points.

The chief minister was apprised of various steps taken by the department regarding possible floods. “We informed the chief minister that we have already completed mock drills on the opening of gates at different dams. Our engineers and local tehsildars are regularly checking the embankments for detection of any cracks so that urgent repair can be taken up,” she said.

Majhi also told the department officials to speed up the works of all delayed projects including mega lift irrigation, minor lift irrigation and deep borewell and complete those early.

Garg said since the government will come up with a policy for effective management of flood, the department has been directed to prepare the details of a draft policy.