Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has made extensive preparations to tackle the possible effects of Cyclone Arnab and prevent loss of life and damage to property.
Various departments, including Agriculture, Energy, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Rural Development and Water Resources, along with Fire Services and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), have been placed on alert.
Deputy CM and Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo chaired a high-level review meeting at the Krushi Sameeksha Kendra in Krushi Bhawan to assess preparedness.
The leave of all agriculture officers has been cancelled from October 25 to November 7, and they have been directed not to leave their district headquarters.
To address farmers’ queries and provide continuous guidance, the Agriculture Department is launching a dedicated Control Room and a Toll-Free Helpline Number (155333), operational from October 25. Farmers can call this helpline between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM to receive crop management advice and weather-related guidance.
Necessary advisories have been issued to farmers to minimise crop losses.
Farmers have been advised to harvest paddy that has reached 80-85 per cent maturity and store it in safe places. Harvested crops should be covered with polythene sheets to protect them from rain.
Farmers have also been advised to keep drainage channels in agricultural fields clear to facilitate the discharge of excess rainwater and temporarily suspend the application of fertilisers and pesticides. Mature maize, ragi, green gram, black gram, other pulses and vegetables ready for harvesting should be harvested before the rainfall.
Energy Department
Power distribution companies have been asked directed to activate disaster management plans and keep field-level personnel ready for emergency operations. Tree branches near electricity lines are being trimmed, while essential equipment, including electric poles, transformers, wires and other materials, has been stocked for emergency repairs.
A 24-hour control room has been made operational under GRIDCO to coordinate activities among GRIDCO, OPTCL, SLDC and power distribution companies.
Arrangements have also been made to minimise disruptions in electricity supply, ensure speedy restoration of power and safeguard public safety.
All fishermen operating at sea have been directed to return to the coast by October 24 and refrain from venturing into the deep sea.
Adequate medicines are being stocked at veterinary hospitals, dispensaries and animal health centres. Arrangements have also been made to protect livestock and ensure the supply of animal feed.
Control rooms will function at district and block levels, with emergency veterinary medicines and vaccines kept available. Veterinary Rapid Response Teams will also be constituted at the block level to provide immediate assistance when required.
Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department
A 24-hour control room has been made operational to monitor the cyclone and possible flood situations. Officials have been instructed not to leave their headquarters without prior permission. Priority is being given to relocating people living in kutcha houses and other vulnerable structures to safer locations. Water supply systems and pumps in low-lying areas are being kept ready, while relief corridors are being maintained to ensure smooth movement during emergencies.
Twenty-four-hour cyclone and flood control rooms have started functioning at the offices of Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers. Departmental officials have been designated as nodal officers to coordinate restoration operations. Adequate manpower, machinery and materials have been kept ready for road repairs, removal of fallen trees and debris, repair of damaged embankment sections and restoration of connectivity in affected areas.
The Water Resources Department is closely monitoring water levels in reservoirs and the condition of river embankments. Necessary preventive measures are being taken to protect embankments, regulate the discharge of excess water wherever required and control possible flooding.
Fire Services teams have been placed on alert to respond to any emergency arising from the possible cyclone. Rescue equipment, inflatable boats and other essential materials have been kept ready to ensure prompt assistance and rescue operations.
A 24-hour control room is functioning on the third floor of the SAP Building in Bhubaneswar, where ODRAF is headquartered. All ODRAF units have been directed to remain ready for deployment at short notice.
Tree-cutting equipment, tower lights, boats and other rescue materials have been inspected and kept ready for immediate use. Teams have been placed on high alert for search, rescue and relief operations.