Housing and Urban Development Ministry Orders 24‑Hour Flood Control Operations

The Housing and Urban Development Department has escalated its emergency response to address widespread waterlogging caused by heavy monsoon rains. Priority is being given to urban neighborhoods in northern Odisha and districts such as Balasore, Bhadrak and Jajpur, where the impact has been most severe.

The department’s chief stated that all relevant officers are to remain on high alert, with leave cancelled for the duration of the crisis. A dedicated 24‑hour control room has been set up to monitor the evolving situation, coordinate rescue teams and manage the distribution of relief materials.

Efforts are concentrated on protecting residents, accelerating drainage of flood‑affected streets, and delivering essential services. Continuous coordination with the Water Resources Department ensures that road restoration, power restoration and other critical infrastructure work proceeds without interruption.

Minister Krishna Chandra Mahapatra emphasized that the department will maintain a round‑the‑clock presence on the ground, ready to act the moment any new flood‑related issue arises.