Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Water Resources Department has intensified restoration of damaged irrigation infrastructure and flood embankments in vulnerable and flood-affected areas, while maintaining round-the-clock surveillance of river conditions, an official statement said on Monday.
The Principal Secretary, Department of Water Resources, reviewed the flood situation and the progress of restoration work. Senior officials, including the Engineer-in-Chief, are conducting daily field visits to assess repair work, interact with local communities and ensure timely restoration.
An entire divisional team has been deployed in affected areas to oversee restoration and monitor vulnerable stretches.
The Engineer-in-Chief-cum-Special Secretary, accompanied by the Additional Chief Engineer, RB Basin, General Manager, OCC, and field officials, inspected the washed-away Rushikulya flood bank and the head reach of the Main Canal at Hiradharabati Anicut near Hanumanpali.
The department has completed restoration of the service embankment at RD 14,350 metres of the Ramanadi Main Canal and closed the breach on the right bank of the Badani river near Ratanga village.
Restoration work is underway at several locations, including the right flood bank of the Ghodahada river near Khairabethi and Baichabania in Hinjilicut, the B Branch Canal near Kukudakhandi and the Ghodahada left service bank at Jakemeripalli. Repairs to the Left Distributary under Harabhangi Irrigation Sub-Division-II at Badagada are also in progress.
Under Bhanjanagar Irrigation Division, restoration work is continuing near Cheramaria, Kendupadar and Bethuara, besides breach-closing operations at multiple locations under Pitala Section.
Temporary breach-closing operations are also underway along both banks of the Loharakhandi river near Khalasahi-Patra Colony, Kushapalli and Bhaliakhai. Work is progressing at Keshpur and along the Rushikulya upstream of Handighar Bridge in Purushottampur block.
Meanwhile, river surveillance is continuing along the Nagavali near RD Bridge at Kottapeta in Rayagada block, where water levels were reported to be stable. Monitoring along the Mahendratanaya river near Machhamara village, Paralakhemundi Bridge and BN Palace in Gajapati district has also been intensified, with field engineers reporting a receding trend.
As part of pre-cyclone preparedness, the Drainage Division, Brahmapur, cleared congestion in Bahana Nalla near Laudi Gaon Bridge to improve drainage and minimise urban flooding risks.
The department is also monitoring regulated releases and storage levels at Harabhangi Reservoir.
The teams remain deployed to expedite restoration, prevent further damage and ensure the early resumption of irrigation services for farmers, the statement added.
