Bhubaneswar: Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari chaired a high-level review meeting on Monday. The meeting assessed the state’s preparedness ahead of the deep depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal.
The meeting was held at the Revenue Conference Hall in Lok Seva Bhawan. Pujari reviewed preparedness district by district and directed all district administrations to maintain round-the-clock vigilance.
The minister stressed that protecting human life remains the government’s top priority. He instructed officials to ensure timely evacuation of vulnerable people wherever needed. He also asked for adequate arrangements for cooked food, dry rations, drinking water, and shelter. Close coordination among emergency departments was emphasized for swift ground response.
Collectors and senior officials from several districts joined via video conference. These included Mayurbhanj, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Kendujhar, Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Kalahandi and Sundargarh. They briefed the minister on preparedness steps taken locally. Pujari asked district administrators to stay in constant touch with field officials and monitor vulnerable locations closely.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the deep depression is likely to move north-northwestwards. It is expected to cross the West Bengal–North Odisha coast between Baleshwar and Canning.
A red warning has been issued for Sundargarh, Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj districts. An Orange Warning covers Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Subarnapur, Boudh and Kandhamal. A Yellow Warning applies to Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha and Nayagarh.
The State Emergency Operation Centre continues monitoring the situation round the clock. It remains in close coordination with District Emergency Operation Centres and concerned departments. Odisha has received 517.6 mm of cumulative rainfall since July 1. This is 75.7% above the seasonal average.
The review noted that all major rivers are flowing below the warning level. No adverse incidents have been reported from any district so far. District administrations have already activated precautionary measures. These include evacuation preparedness, localized flood response, uninterrupted essential services and relief distribution. Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea till July 29.
Pujari reiterated the government’s commitment to public safety. He said all departments are working in coordination and every district stands fully prepared. He added that the situation is being monitored continuously on a 24×7 basis.
The meeting was attended by Additional Special Relief Commissioner Padmanav Behera and Joint Special Relief Commissioner Snigdha Champatiray. Officers on Special Duty from the Special Relief Commissioner’s office also attended. The Engineer-in-Chief of the Water Resources Department and other senior officials were present.
