Odisha govt directs to be prepared for flood ahead of monsoon

Bhubaneswar: Ahead of the onset of the monsoon, the Odisha government has asked all the 30 district officials to be prepared for the possible flood and stock adequate food grains in the flood-prone areas.

The instructions were given by Special Relief Commissioner and Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Disaster Management) Bishnupada Sethi in a review meeting on the preparedness for the possible floods during the monsoon on Tuesday.

The district authorities were instructed to furnish their updated District Disaster Management Plan (DDMP) by June 10 for approval by the State Disaster Management Authority.

The ADMs and DEOs intimated that the flood-prone inaccessible areas, which are likely to be cut off during floods, have been identified for stocking of Public Distribution System (PDS) commodities for the next 2-3 months in advance so that these are available in these villages during the entire rainy season.

It was instructed that the Collectors would ensure this before the onset of Monsoon and furnish information regarding the quantity of food grains stored at different points.

The districts will also take steps to make pre-contract with the traders following due procedure for supply of dry foods like chuda, gur and other essential commodities, if required, in the event of any calamity.

This exercise is to be completed soon and arrangement reported to the office of SRC.

There are 301 power boats of the State Port Engineering Organisation under the SRC available in the districts in charge of Tahasildars, BDOs and other officers under the control of the respective Collectors.

Test-run of these boats is going on in different districts. The State Port Engineer was directed to complete the test-run of the boats by second week of June.

The ADMs/ DEOs were directed to complete the process of engagement of temporary crew staff as per sanction communicated to them by May 31.

All the districts will furnish information on the availability of private boats in the districts, along with contact numbers of boat owners to the office of SRC by June 10.

It has been decided to store required flood-fighting materials at these critical vulnerable points and arrange to patrol during the flood.

It has been assessed that 33.35 lakkh gunny bags, 67627 cum of sand, 19430 nos. of bullahs,15125 sqm bamboo mat and 10320 nos. of bamboos would be required to be stored by June 1 at strategic locations.

The Executive Engineers have been instructed to verify the status of sluices and make those operational by June 1. Mock drill will be conducted before the onset of Monsoon.

It was stressed on proper coordination in the matter of deployment of Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Fire Services.

The districts must also have their contingency plan for health, sanitation, veterinary and agricultural measures prepared by the concerned departments at the district level.

The districts were advised to identify the required number of flood shelters in the vulnerable areas for the accommodation of people in case of the flood.

Arrangements of water, food and lighting must be made for the people taking shelter. Additional sanitation arrangement may also be required to be made, where necessary.