Bhubaneswar: Prioritising the safety of lives and property, the Ganjam District Administration is fully prepared to tackle the possible cyclone. With a warning for the district on November 18 and 19, along with the possibility of heavy rain and strong winds, the administration has initiated advance preparedness measures to deal with any eventuality.
In this regard, a preparatory meeting of all departmental officers was held on Saturday at Chhatrapur under the chairmanship of Collector V. Keerthi Vasan.
Collector Directs All Departments to Remain Prepared
Addressing the meeting, the Collector directed all departments to remain alert and discharge their respective responsibilities with utmost urgency, considering the possible impact of the cyclone. Drawing lessons from Cyclone Arnab and the subsequent flood situation, he instructed all departments to remain prepared to tackle every eventuality.
If required, people will be promptly evacuated to safe locations and cyclone shelters. Field-level officers have been directed to immediately inspect the availability of essential facilities such as drinking water, food, lighting and toilets at all cyclone shelters.
Fishermen Asked to Return by November 16
The Fisheries Department will take necessary steps to ensure that all fishermen currently at sea return by November 16. No one will be allowed to venture into the sea thereafter.
A public awareness campaign through loudspeakers will be launched in all blocks from tomorrow. Block Development Officers (BDOs) will coordinate with elected Panchayat representatives, Self-Help Groups and local residents to ensure effective public awareness.
Zero Casualty Target; Special Focus on Safety of Vulnerable Groups
The Collector emphasised achieving the target of zero casualties and ensuring the safety of livestock. The Health Department and District Social Welfare Department will coordinate to facilitate the advance shifting of pregnant women to safer locations.
The Animal Resources Development Department will take necessary measures for the safe accommodation of livestock. Health centres will be stocked with anti-snake venom injections and other essential medicines.
Drinking Water, Food and Essential Services to Be Ensured
To ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply, RWSS and WATCO have been directed to keep water tankers ready, inspect pipelines and undertake necessary repairs.
The Food Supplies Department will maintain adequate stocks of essential items such as flattened rice (chuda), jaggery, biscuits and bottled drinking water.
The Electricity, Fire Services, Telecommunications, Works, Water Resources and Irrigation Departments have also been directed to remain fully prepared. The Collector particularly emphasised close monitoring of drainage systems, including the Kharkhari Nala, to ensure proper discharge of rainwater.
Farmers Advised to Harvest Matured Crops
Farmers have been requested to harvest matured crops before the anticipated rainfall. The Agriculture and Irrigation Departments will coordinate to ensure crop protection and proper drainage of excess water.
In the event of a Red Warning, BDOs will submit daily reports on the ground situation and preparedness in their respective areas at 9 AM and 7 PM.
A 24-hour District Control Room will remain operational. NDRF, ODRAF and Fire Services personnel will be kept ready for rescue and evacuation operations. The Collector categorically directed that no officer shall leave headquarters without prior permission.
Relief and Crop Assistance for Flood-Affected Families
Meanwhile, the process of providing input assistance and crop insurance benefits for nearly 80,000 hectares of agricultural land affected by the floods following Cyclone Arnab is underway.
Affected families are being provided with 50 kg of rice and financial assistance of ₹2,500. Farmers in some areas have already received input assistance.
Sunday Holiday Cancelled; Public Grievance Hearing Postponed
To expedite the ongoing relief and restoration works following the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab, the Sunday holiday has been cancelled across the district. The public grievance hearing scheduled for next Monday has also been cancelled.
Collector Appeals to Public Not to Panic
The Collector has appealed to the public not to panic over the possibility of the cyclone but to follow the advisories and instructions issued by the administration and move to safe shelters whenever necessary.
Officials from all departments attended the meeting and apprised the Collector of their respective departmental preparedness and responsibilities.
