Ganjam District Administration on High Alert Ahead of Possible Cyclone and Heavy Rainfall

Officials’ Leave Cancelled

110 Permanent and Over 1,000 Temporary Shelters Ready; Accommodation for 1.5 Lakh People Arranged

Nine ODRAF and Two NDRF Teams Kept Ready; Shops Directed to Display Price Lists to Prevent Black Marketing

 Manoj Kanta Dash, Odishabarta

CHHATRAPUR, OCTOBER 24: The Ganjam district administration has undertaken extensive precautionary measures and intensified preparedness to tackle the possibility of a cyclone, flooding and heavy rainfall. Ensuring the safety of human lives, domestic animals and other livestock, while minimising damage to public property, has been accorded the highest priority.

In this regard, a district-level preparedness meeting was held on Saturday at the OSWAN Hall of the Collectorate in Chhatrapur under the chairmanship of Ganjam District Collector V. Keerthi Vasan.

According to the latest weather forecast, rainfall may begin on the evening of October 26, with heavy rainfall likely in different parts of Ganjam district on October 27, 28 and 29. Keeping the forecast in view, the meeting reviewed the possible cyclone track and its impact, strong winds, vulnerable areas, the risk of landslides in places such as Kalinga Ghati, drainage arrangements, rescue and relief operations, and the preparedness of emergency services.

Officials’ Leave Cancelled; Headquarters Must Not Be Left Until October 29

To ensure prompt action during emergencies and effective coordination among departments, the District Collector has cancelled the leave of concerned officials and directed them not to leave their headquarters until October 29.

All blocks have been instructed to convene separate preparedness meetings and formulate response plans according to local conditions and requirements. All departments, from the grassroots to the district level, have been asked to remain alert and ready to respond to any emergency.Drainage and Water Levels Under Close Watch.

The concerned departments have been directed to continuously monitor water levels in the district’s dams and ensure proper water discharge to prevent possible flooding and water logging.

The Collector emphasised identifying locations that experienced water logging during previous spells of rain, particularly in Berhampur city and other parts of the district.

 The authorities have been instructed to clear drains and drainage channels and take necessary preventive measures to ensure the smooth flow of rainwater.

Shelters Ready to Accommodate 1.5 Lakh People

The district administration has kept 110 permanent cyclone and flood shelters and more than 1,000 temporary shelters ready. These facilities can accommodate approximately 1.5 lakh people at a time.

The Collector stressed the need for the timely evacuation of residents from coastal and low-lying areas to safer locations, wherever necessary. Adequate stocks of food and drinking water must be maintained at shelters, while medical services, electricity supply and communication facilities must remain operational.

For emergency rescue and relief operations, nine ODRAF teams and two NDRF teams have been kept ready.

Fishermen Advised Not to Venture into the Sea Until October 30

In view of the possible cyclone and adverse weather conditions, fishermen have been prohibited from venturing into the sea until October 30.

Those already at sea have been advised to return to shore immediately and follow weather advisories issued by the Meteorological Department.

Farmers have also been urged to take advance measures to protect their crops, harvest produce wherever appropriate and ensure safe storage in accordance with the weather advisories.

Action Against Black Marketing; 24-Hour Control Room Operational.

The district administration has given special emphasis to preventing artificial shortages and black marketing of essential commodities during the adverse weather conditions.

Shopkeepers have been directed to display price lists prominently outside their shops and sell essential commodities at the prescribed rates. The concerned departments have been instructed to closely monitor the availability, supply and prices of essential goods and take immediate action against any irregularities.

A 24-hour control room has also become operational from Saturday to facilitate emergency coordination and response.

All Senior Officials Attend Preparedness Meeting.