Odisha Flood Alert / Khordha Schools Shut as Flood Risk Grows; H&UD Dept Puts Officials on 24x7 Alert

Bhubaneswar, Jul 30: With flood concerns mounting across Odisha due to incessant rainfall, the Khordha district administration has ordered the closure of all schools from Thursday afternoon, while the Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UD) has cancelled leave for its officials and placed them on round-the-clock alert to tackle the evolving situation.

Schools To Remain Closed
Keeping the impending flood situation in view, the Khordha district administration has directed that all government, government-aided, Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas (OAVs) and private schools in the district remain closed from 1 pm on July 30 until July 31.

As per the directive, the midday meal was served early on Thursday and students were allowed to leave by 1 pm.

However, teachers and other school staff were instructed to remain present at their respective schools as usual.

Schools To Function As Relief Centres
Khordha district administration further directed that no casual leave (CL) will be sanctioned to school staff for the next four days.

Headmasters were asked to keep school buildings ready for use as relief centres, if required, and ensure a 24x7 roster duty system. Authorities warned that the instructions must be implemented strictly.

Urban Development Department On Alert
Meanwhile, the Housing & Urban Development Department stepped up preparedness as heavy rainfall continues to affect several urban areas.

Odisha Housing & Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said the leave of departmental officials has been cancelled and they have been directed to remain on 24-hour alert.

Officials have also been instructed to monitor the situation continuously from control rooms and remain on round-the-clock duty.

Also Read: Rising Waters in Mahanadi, Baitarani Disrupt Life in Odisha

Drainage Plan To Be Strengthened
The minister said rainfall in several areas had exceeded the capacity of the existing drainage systems, leading to waterlogging in many urban pockets.

He said water is currently being drained using pump sets, while the department is preparing a comprehensive drainage master plan for all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). A Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project will be prepared and implemented at the earliest, he added.

Relief Measures Underway
The minister said arrangements have been made to provide drinking water, food and lighting facilities in flood-affected areas wherever required.

He noted that several places in northern Odisha remain inundated, with Balasore district witnessing an unprecedented situation. Efforts are underway to drain out accumulated water, while people from waterlogged areas are being shifted to safer locations.

The minister added that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari and the Housing & Urban Development Department are jointly monitoring the flood situation across the state.