Bhubaneswar: With waterlogging and flooding becoming increasingly frequent across Odisha, the state government has announced a proactive river-cleaning initiative aimed at ensuring smooth water drainage and preventing future flood-related crises.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Monday that the government is formulating a long-term plan with a 50-year vision to address the persistent problems of poor drainage and flood vulnerability. A key component of this strategy involves launching a statewide river cleaning campaign to clear blockages from major river channels, which have been identified as a major cause of urban and rural waterlogging.
“Years of neglect and mismanagement by the previous government have left our drainage systems overwhelmed during heavy rainfall,” said Pujari. “We are now taking systematic and scientific steps to reverse that.”
In anticipation of further rain, the minister chaired a preparedness review meeting and announced a 48-hour master response plan to mitigate immediate risks.
He assured that although heavy rainfall is expected, there is no imminent threat of large-scale flooding, as river levels remain below danger marks.
However, he cautioned that localised waterlogging is likely, especially in urban areas, and urged residents to remain alert.
