Bhubaneswar: A high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja on Tuesday reviewed Odisha’s preparedness for impending Cyclone Dana.
The primary focus of the meeting was ensuring the continuity of essential services such as electricity, drinking water supply, and health services in the wake of any cyclone-induced disruptions.
Special attention was placed on the operational readiness of DG/generator sets in hospitals and other critical areas to maintain services during power outages. Departments such as Energy, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water were instructed to coordinate and ensure the timely supply of water, particularly through tankers wherever needed.
Officials emphasized preemptive measures, including filling water tanks to full capacity in both rural and urban areas by October 23. The mechanical readiness of generator sets was also prioritized, with a directive to conduct trial runs and ensure adequate diesel supply to support continuous operation during emergencies.
In addition to cyclone preparedness, the Chief Secretary reviewed the state’s progress on various governmental programs and schemes.
It was reported that Odisha’s own revenue collection had increased by 13.73% as of September 2024 compared to the previous year.
The Chief Secretary encouraged all departments to maximize the utilization of approved budgets to ensure the smooth execution of government schemes and initiatives.
The meeting also included a presentation on departmental activities up to the end of September, with a focus on improving the efficiency of fund utilization. Government officials were urged to continue prioritizing the welfare of the public and the successful implementation of state schemes, especially in light of potential natural disasters.
The public have been advised to store adequate water and use it judiciously during and after the cyclone until normalcy is restored.
The meeting was attended by Satyabrata Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department; Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue Department and Special Relief Commissioner Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh; Additional Chief Secretary, General Administration and Public Grievances Department, Surendra Kumar; Additional Chief Secretary and Director General of Gopbandhu Academy of Administration G. Mathivathanan; Principal Secretaries, Commissioner and Secretaries of various departments.
