Bhubaneswar: With advancement of southwest monsoon in the state, most parts of Odisha are likely to witness light to moderate rainfall while Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal may witness very heavy rain, an IMD forecast said.
In the wake of likely rain, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi has asked authorities to stay alert and operate a 24×7 control room in the water resources department.The CM on Saturday held a high-level meeting with the officials of the water resources department and committed to fulfil the promises made in the election manifesto related to the department.
The manifesto includes four major commitments such as formulating a policy for effective flood control and management, reviewing the Mahanadi rejuvenation and rule curve, preparation of a water conservation policy and forming a committee to improve inter-river water pathways.
The CM directed the officials to undertake desilting and excavation from time to time and also submit a report on it within 100 days. Majhi also asked the officials to be prepared for the possible flood situation during the current monsoon.
“Southwest monsoon is active over the state. Moreover, yesterday’s cyclonic circulation over interior Odisha and now adjoining Chhattisgarh, is triggering rain in the state. The state will have cloudy weather conditions for the next few days with intermittent rain. Though the temperature has dropped significantly, humid conditions are likely to continue for a few more days,” said Manorama Mohanty, director of the IMD’s Bhubaneswar centre.
In the last 24 hours, heavy rainfall has been recorded at eight places across the state with maximum rainfall of 108 mm recorded in Boudh district.
Intensity of rain will increase from June 25 and 26 with heavy rainfall likely at one or two places in Kalahandi, Rayagada, Ganjam and Gajapati districts.
The CM advised the department to strengthen river embankments and focus on weak and vulnerable points ahead of the rainy season.
“We told the CM that we have already completed mock drills on the opening of floodgates in different dams. Our engineers and local tehsildars are regularly checking the embankments for detection of any cracks so that urgent repair can be done,” said Anu Garg, development commissioner and additional chief secretary of water resources department.
(With inputs from
Sandip Mishra)

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