Odisha govt earmarks Rs 200 cr to tackle urban flooding

The newly-formed BJP government in Odisha is laying emphasis on zero casualties while tackling and managing natural disasters in the State. Elaborate planning has been made in this regard in the natural disaster management committee meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mohan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.

As per reports, the government has decided to increase the number of Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) in the State from 20 to 30 units. The Home Department has been ordered to ensure ODRAF works as a dedicated force. The government is also planning to set up as many as five regional Fire Services hubs to manage sudden accidents like the Bahanaga train tragedy.

Discussion was held on how to manage the possible flood situations during the ongoing rainy season in the meeting. Elaborate discussion was held with the Special Relief Commissioner Satyabrata Sahu regarding the preparedness to deal with the possible flood situation.

Moreover, emphasis has been given to control artificial flooding during torrential rainfall in urban areas. A proposal has been given to earmark Rs 200 crore for the purpose. IIT Delhi will provide the required technological help to manage artificial flooding in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. The institute has been given the responsibility to prepare a long-term planning in this regard and submit it before the government. The 24x7 control rooms set up in the state, district and sub-division levels meant to inform people regarding flood-related news will be updated into smart control rooms. The Health Department has been directed to stock ample anti-snake venoms in hospitals across the State to deal with snake bite incidents.

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“Responsibility has been entrusted to plan a project with an estimated cost of Rs 200 crore and submit it before the government on how to control artificial flooding in urban areas. We rely on ODRAF during natural disasters and they have done a commendable job in the past. The government has decided to increase the number of ODRAF units in the State from 20 to 30,” said CM Majhi.

“Many more proposals have come on micro planning on how to deal with possible natural disasters. We have prepared flawless planning to deal with any kind of natural disaster in the State. We request the cooperation of people in this regard,” said Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari.