Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has stepped up its preparedness for a possible cyclone, with plans to set up a 24×7 control room and keep Rapid Action Teams (RATs) on standby to tackle waterlogging, fallen trees and other emergencies, Mayor Sulochana Das said on Monday.
Speaking to reporters, Das said the civic body was taking all necessary precautionary measures in accordance with government instructions to minimise the impact of the impending weather system.
“The BMC Commissioner has already held a meeting, and we held another meeting with corporators on Monday. They will work at the grassroots level and respond to issues such as waterlogging in their respective areas,” she said.
The mayor said Odisha could experience heavy rainfall even if the cyclone moves towards neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. The civic body was, therefore, preparing to address waterlogging in vulnerable areas and respond to situations requiring evacuation.
“The government’s target is zero casualties, and we will also strive to achieve it,” Das said.
She added that the BMC was coordinating with various line departments to ensure the availability of pumpsets in areas prone to waterlogging and the prompt clearance of fallen trees.
The civic body has also discussed precautionary measures to minimise risks from large hoardings, high-mast lights and temporary structures erected for the ongoing Maa Gaja Lakshmi Puja celebrations.
Officials have been instructed to coordinate the temporary removal of puja gates and arches, as well as the lowering of high-mast lights wherever required, she said.
Das said the BMC’s drainage division and Rapid Action Teams would remain available round the clock to respond to emergencies.
A 24-hour control room will also be set up to coordinate response measures and ensure prompt action in the event of heavy rainfall or a cyclone affecting the city, she added.
