Field officers told to stay alert in season of cyclones

Bhubaneswar: As cyclones are common in Odisha during October-November, the state water resources department has asked its field-level functionaries to remain prepared and make arrangements to meet eventualities.
The instructions were issued as a follow-up measure of a meeting chaired by chief secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra on October 10 to remain prepared for possible cyclones during the post-monsoon period.
During the meeting, the water resources department was asked to be prepared for flood forecasting, reservoir management, embankment management and preparedness for immediate restoration in case of possible cyclones during the period, official sources said.
“With a view to minimise damage in case of any possible cyclone in October and November, all measures are required to be undertaken well in advance,” said water resources secretary Anu Garg in a circular issued on Wednesday.
Garg directed the field officers in-charge of river and canal embankments to keep a close watch on the embankments, especially weak/vulnerable points in rivers/canals. They have also been asked to take immediate steps to clear the drainage channels for free flow of flood/rainwater.
On reservoir position, the water resources secretary said all the reservoirs should be kept under strict watch and the inflow, reservoirs’ levels, river levels and rainfall situation to be monitored and communicated to flood control rooms timely with intimation to all concerned.
According to official sources, Odisha has faced as many as 16 natural disasters.