Odisha govt rolls out comprehensive urban flood management plan ahead of Monsoon 2025

Bhubaneswar: In anticipation of an above-normal southwest monsoon as forecasted for June to September 2025, the Government of Odisha in Housing & Urban Development department has issued a comprehensive Urban Flood and Waterlogging Management Action Plan for all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the State.

The initiative aims to safeguard public health, infrastructure, and urban livelihoods through a series of preventive, preparatory, and responsive measures.

Key Measures of the Action Plan Include:

Drainage Preparedness: 100% inspection, desilting, and repair of all drains and manholes across ULBs to ensure unobstructed stormwater flow. Special focus is placed on repairing damaged covers and removing encroachments obstructing drain channels.

Solid Waste Management: Installation of bar screens and wire meshes in tertiary drains to filter out solid waste and prevent blockages during peak rainfall. Local personnel will be deployed for continuous monitoring and waste removal.

Restoration Readiness: Quick clearance of roads blocked due to fallen trees or debris post-cyclone, with road restoration timelines set at 72 hours. Drinking water services will be restored immediately by WATCO and PHEO in coordination with ULBs.

Flood-Prone Area Mitigation: Identification of waterlogging hotspots and pre-deployment of pump sets and emergency equipment. Zone-level officers will be appointed for real-time emergency response.

Shelter Preparedness: Readiness of existing Multi-Purpose Cyclone Shelters (MCS/MFS) and public buildings to serve as emergency shelters. Structural safety, water, sanitation, food supply, and security—especially for women and vulnerable populations—are being ensured.

Disease Prevention: Vector and water-borne disease control through larvicide application, fogging, and public sanitation drives, in close cooperation with Health and Sanitation departments.

Control Room Activation: All ULBs will set up monsoon-specific Control Rooms operating on a 24/7 basis during the season, to promptly address public grievances related to waterlogging, blocked roads, and water supply disruptions.

Community Involvement: Elected representatives, ward committees, local volunteers, and Women Self Help Groups (WSHGs) will be engaged in local-level preparedness and response activities.

A high-level inter-departmental coordination meeting is scheduled before the first week of June 2025, involving Fire Services, Drainage Division, Minor Irrigation, and other stakeholders to streamline efforts and ensure resource readiness.

Minister for Housing & Urban Development Dr Krushna chandra Mahapatra has emphasized, “Proactive planning and community participation are the cornerstones of our strategy. Our goal is to ensure that urban areas remain resilient, safe, and prepared for the challenges of an intense monsoon.”

The State Government urges all citizens to cooperate with local authorities, follow safety advisories, and report any emergency issues promptly to the designated ULB Control Rooms.