In a proactive step, the Ganjam district administration began preparatory works for the monsoon season on Wednesday by coordinating with all line departments for a quick response. This comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts an early arrival of the southwest monsoon this year.
District-Level Meeting Held
The administration conducted its first district-level natural calamity committee meeting at Chhatrapur, which was attended by all district-level officers. Additional District Magistrate (ADM) (Revenue), Ganjam, Debadatta Panda instructed the concerned officers to ensure all cyclone shelter centres are ready for evacuating people if necessary.
Strengthening Embankments and Drains
To prevent breaches and floods during the monsoon, Panda urged engineers from the water resources department to identify weak river embankments and take measures to strengthen them. The district administration also emphasized cleaning drains to allow free flow of rainwater and avoid waterlogging in urban areas.
Health and Agriculture Preparedness
Health and agricultural officials were asked to prepare for monsoon-related eventualities. The ADM stated that Rapid Response Teams (RRT) would be deployed in each block for quick response to natural calamities. Additionally, NDRF and ODRAF teams will be reserved in the district for use during any emergency. Relief work should be undertaken in calamity-affected areas in association with local NGOs, elected representatives, and other activists.
Significance of Preparation
Advanced preparation is crucial as Ganjam, a coastal district, is prone to cyclones and floods during the monsoon and post-monsoon period. The Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) has already started monsoon preparations by cleaning major drains. Berhampur mayor Sanghamitra Dalei and commissioner A Sasya Reddy visited various wards and inspected drain cleaning work. They also discussed the waterlogging problem affecting around 70 locations in the city.
“Repairing and cleaning of all major drains are ongoing,” said a BeMC officer. The corporation has allocated Rs 5 crore for repairing drains and potholes on roads this year.
