Action plan for effective management of waterlogging in urban areas

Bhubaneswar: The Housing & Urban Development department has issued SOP regarding preparation of action plan for management of flood and waterlogging in urban areas during the ensuing monsoon.

Like previous years, ULBs have been directed to take up joint verification with respective Drainage Division/MI Division of Water Resources department to ensure desilting and repair of all clogged/ choked drain channels before the onset of monsoon.

Vulnerable waterlogging area/low lying areas to be identified and appropriate steps be taken for discharge of water expeditiously at the time of emergency by pre-positioning pump sets, Sangramjit Nayak, director Municipal Administration has directed.

He further directed removal of encroachment of drain channels besides initiating legal action against defaulting person or institution to prevent further encroachment.
Rampant use of polythene in urban areas is a major cause for drain channel clogging, which needs to be monitored regularly.

Moreover, during monsoon unified control rooms would be active and provide all necessary assistance and coordination to public and all stakeholders in effectively managing the urban flooding.