Bhubaneswar, July 1, 2026: Amid continuous monsoon rains and the possibility of urban flooding and waterlogging in several parts of Odisha, Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krishna Chandra Mohapatra has directed all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the State to remain on high alert and ensure immediate preparedness to tackle any rain-related exigencies. Speaking to the media, the Minister emphasized that the protection of citizens and uninterrupted delivery of civic services during the monsoon season is the government’s top priority, demanding that all Urban Local Bodies remain fully prepared and respond swiftly to any emergency situation.
Acting on the Minister’s directions, the Housing and Urban Development Department has issued a comprehensive advisory to all Municipal Corporations, Municipalities and Notified Area Councils. The directive instructs them to take all preventive and precautionary measures to avoid urban flooding and waterlogging, particularly in identified hotspots and low-lying areas vulnerable to inundation. The Department has explicitly ordered all ULBs to maintain round-the-clock monitoring of the situation and keep their Rapid Action Teams (RATs) fully deployed and ready for immediate response. Municipal officers, engineers and sanitation personnel have been directed to undertake intensive field inspections and promptly address issues relating to waterlogging, blocked drains, overflowing sewers, fallen trees and other civic emergencies.
Furthermore, ULBs have been asked to ensure the absolute operational readiness of pumps, dewatering equipment, machinery and emergency response systems. The state’s strategy places special emphasis on the constant surveillance of vulnerable locations alongside close coordination with district administrations, disaster management authorities and other line departments to facilitate prompt and effective action. Dr. Mohapatra reiterated the Government’s commitment to citizen safety and resilient urban management, emphasizing the need for advance planning, proactive intervention and coordinated efforts by all agencies to minimize the impact of heavy rainfall. To ensure seamless communication with citizens during the monsoon, the State’s urban grievance redressal helpline, Sahar Sathi (1929), has been fully activated. Citizens can report incidents of waterlogging, drainage issues and other civic emergencies through the helpline for immediate attention and resolution by the concerned ULBs. The Housing and Urban Development Department is closely monitoring the situation across the State and has assured all necessary support to the municipal bodies to effectively manage monsoon-related challenges and ensure the safety, convenience and well-being of urban residents.
