Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has put multiple departments and emergency response agencies on high alert as part of extensive preparations to tackle the possible cyclone, with a focus on minimising casualties, protecting property and ensuring swift restoration of essential services.
Departments, including Agriculture, Energy, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Rural Development and Water Resources, along with Fire Services and the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), have been directed to ensure the availability of adequate manpower, machinery and essential supplies for emergency response operations.
The Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department has issued advisories urging farmers to harvest paddy that has attained 80–85 per cent maturity and move the produce to safe locations. Harvested crops should be covered with polythene sheets to protect them from rainfall. Farmers have also been advised to clear field drainage channels, suspend fertiliser and pesticide application temporarily, and harvest mature maize, ragi, pulses and vegetables before the rain.
Post-rainfall measures will focus on draining excess water from fields, strengthening vegetable trellises and identifying and treating pest attacks and crop diseases.
The Energy Department has directed power distribution companies to activate disaster management plans and keep field personnel ready for emergency operations. Tree branches near power lines are being trimmed, while electric poles, transformers, wires and other essential repair materials have been stocked.
A 24-hour control room has been made operational under GRIDCO to coordinate emergency response among GRIDCO, OPTCL, the State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC) and power distribution companies. Arrangements are also in place for speedy restoration of electricity, public safety and the deployment of communication and transportation resources.
The Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department has directed fishermen at sea to return to the coast by October 24 and refrain from venturing into the deep sea. Veterinary hospitals and animal health centres are stocking medicines, vaccines and emergency supplies, while arrangements are being made to protect livestock and maintain animal feed supplies. District- and block-level control rooms and block-level Veterinary Rapid Response Teams will provide assistance during emergencies.
The Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department has activated a 24-hour control room to monitor the cyclone threat and possible flooding. Officials have been instructed not to leave their headquarters without prior permission. Priority is being given to shifting people living in kutcha houses and other vulnerable structures to safer locations. Water supply systems and pumps in low-lying areas are also being kept ready.
Meanwhile, 24-hour cyclone and flood control rooms are functioning at the offices of Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers under the Rural Development Department. Nodal officers have been designated to coordinate restoration work, with manpower, machinery and materials mobilised for road repairs, removal of fallen trees and debris, repairs to damaged embankment sections and restoration of connectivity.
The Water Resources Department is monitoring reservoir levels and river embankments, while taking preventive measures to protect embankments, regulate excess water discharge wherever necessary and mitigate the risk of flooding.
Fire Services teams have been placed on alert, with rescue equipment, inflatable boats and other essential materials kept ready for deployment.
ODRAF has also been placed on high alert, with all units directed to remain prepared for mobilisation at short notice. A 24-hour control room is functioning at the force’s headquarters on the third floor of the SAP Building in Bhubaneswar. Tree-cutting equipment, tower lights, boats and other rescue materials have been inspected and kept ready for immediate use.
The government has stressed close coordination between district police and ODRAF for timely evacuation, search and rescue operations. All departments have been directed to work in coordination to ensure public safety and expedite post-disaster restoration and rehabilitation.
