Berhampur Municipal Corporation Steps Up Preparedness for Heavy Rainfall; Drain Cleaning and Encroachment Removal Intensified

Manoj Kanta Dash, Odishabarta

Brahmapur, October 26, 2026:In view of the forecast of heavy rainfall, the Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) has intensified its preparedness measures to tackle possible emergencies. Despite Sunday and Kumar Purnima, municipal officials were seen visiting various areas and taking preventive steps to minimise the risk of waterlogging and other rain-related problems.

In Shyam Nagar, which remained inundated for a prolonged period during the September rainfall, a wall obstructing the flow of rainwater was demolished. Culverts in the area were also cleaned to facilitate smooth drainage.

Similarly, encroachments were removed and drains cleaned near the Kanjiaamma Temple at Lanjipalli, along the National Highway. Drain-cleaning operations were also undertaken in Brahmapalli, Gajapati Nagar, Siddhartha Nagar, Annapurna Nagar, Minakshi Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Dharma Nagar, Gandhi Nagar and Ram Nagar.

With the assistance of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), the Corporation has also started trimming branches of dangerous trees to reduce the risk of accidents during strong winds and heavy rainfall.

The BeMC’s 24-hour control room became operational on Sunday morning, with staff deployed in three shifts to monitor the situation and respond to emergencies. According to information received by the control room, a woman with psychosocial disabilities was rescued from near the bus stand at Duduma Colony.