BeMC Holds Preparatory Meeting to Tackle Cyclone ‘Murasu’
Commissioner Appeals to Public to Avoid Wastage and Use Drinking Water Judiciously
24-Hour Control Room to Remain Operational Till November 7
Manoj Kanta Dash, Odishabarta
Brahmapur, November 2, 2026:Even before Brahmapur has fully recovered from the impact of Cyclone Arnab, the Brahmapur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) has stepped up its preparedness following the weather department’s warning regarding Cyclone ‘Murasu’.
Although Sunday was declared a working day by cancelling holidays, a preparatory meeting was held at the newly established conference hall under the chairpersonship of BeMC Commissioner A. Sasya Reddy. All Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners, engineers, sanitation inspectors and community organisers attended the meeting.
To ensure smooth drainage of rainwater during the possible impact of Cyclone Murasu, all engineers were instructed to visit the areas that experienced waterlogging during Cyclone Arnab and identify appropriate measures to resolve the problems. They were also directed to undertake cleaning of major drains on a war footing.
As drainage has been obstructed due to blockages in areas such as Duduma Colony, Haridakhandi Shanti Nagar, Roland College, Royal Pharmacy College and Bhaba Nagar, the Commissioner directed the enforcement squad to immediately remove all such obstructions.
It was also decided to clean and sanitise all temporary shelters again and ensure the evacuation of people living in kutcha houses and low-lying areas before the rainfall begins. As of Sunday, only the Biju Patnaik Kalyan Mandap shelter was operational. Community organisers and sanitation inspectors were instructed to make all other shelters fully ready to accommodate people if required.
Meanwhile, residents of Subuddhi Colony near Housing Board Colony in Ward No. 14 have been living in rented kutcha houses that are in an extremely dangerous condition. However, they have repeatedly been reluctant to shift to temporary shelters during evacuation drives.
Before initiating legal action against the house owners, Deputy Commissioner Kalyani Sanghamitra Devi, Assistant Commissioner Bikram Sundi, Enforcement Officers Bikash Nayak and Padmalochan Sahu, along with Assistant Executive Engineer Jaya Jagadish Padhi, visited Subuddhi Colony to conduct an on-the-spot inquiry and submit a report.
Similarly, residents of Shanti Nagar were made aware of the importance of extending cooperation and not obstructing drain-cleaning operations, which are essential for effectively tackling water logging.
The Supply Inspector was instructed to ensure adequate stocks of essential cooking materials and dry food for at least five days.
The 24-hour control room, which was earlier operational until October 31, has now been extended until November 7.
The Commissioner stated that BeMC would continue to make alternative arrangements to meet the minimum drinking water requirements of residents until normal water supply from the Janivili drinking water project is restored.
However, to prevent a drinking water crisis, Commissioner A. Sasya Reddy appealed to the public to avoid wastage and use drinking water judiciously.
