Bhubaneswar: Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Housing & Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee, on Sunday directed Executive Officers (EOs) of all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to ensure close monitoring and timely reporting of post-cyclone restoration activities until normalcy is fully restored.
The EOs have been asked to submit reports on the measures taken by their respective ULBs for road repairs, relief operations, restoration of essential services, sanitation and other related activities. They have also been instructed to highlight additional initiatives undertaken and specify the support required from the State Government or other agencies.
Emphasising the need for a compassionate and people-centric approach, Padhee urged the civic body officials to go beyond their official responsibilities and extend support to affected citizens and households by acting as friendly neighbours.
She encouraged the ULBs to mobilise Community Organisers (COs), Sahajog Saathis and sanitation workers to provide direct assistance to affected families. The support may include cleaning affected houses with the help of sanitation workers, ensuring drinking water supply in hard-to-reach areas, helping households resume their daily activities and facilitating access to relief assistance for eligible beneficiaries.
Padhee also urged the EOs and field teams to document and share their experiences and positive stories of community support, highlighting acts of kindness, solidarity and public service during the recovery process.
The ACS stressed that restoration efforts should combine administrative efficiency with empathy and human sensitivity to ensure that no affected household is left without the necessary assistance.
