Cyclone Impact / H&UD department urges urban bodies to restore normalcy and reach every affected family

Bhubaneswar, Nov 1: Odisha's Housing and Urban Development Department has directed all urban local bodies to intensify post-cyclone restoration efforts while ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches every affected family.

Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee has instructed executive officers of municipalities and urban local bodies to continuously monitor the situation until normalcy is fully restored and submit regular status reports on ongoing recovery operations.

Emphasising the need for a comprehensive and coordinated response, Padhee asked officials to provide detailed updates on road repairs, relief distribution, restoration of essential services, sanitation measures and other recovery-related activities being undertaken in their respective jurisdictions.

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Authorities have also been directed to specify any additional steps taken locally and identify support required from the state government or other agencies.

Highlighting the importance of empathy in disaster response, Padhee stressed that restoration efforts should go beyond administrative responsibilities.

She urged officials to stand by affected citizens not only as government representatives but also as compassionate neighbours during their time of distress.

To strengthen grassroots-level assistance, she advised urban bodies to deploy community organisers, Sahayog Sathis and sanitation workers to directly support families impacted by the cyclone and subsequent flooding.

The suggested measures include cleaning affected homes, supplying drinking water in inaccessible areas, helping families resume normal lives and ensuring that eligible beneficiaries receive relief assistance without delay.

The Additional Chief Secretary also encouraged field-level staff and officials to document and share positive stories emerging from relief and rehabilitation efforts. According to her, such initiatives can showcase examples of social solidarity, humanitarian values and collective responsibility during times of crisis.

Padhee reiterated that successful recovery should not be measured solely by administrative efficiency but also by the sensitivity and sincerity demonstrated towards affected citizens. She underscored the need to ensure that no vulnerable family is left behind and that every deserving household receives necessary support during the rehabilitation process.