Viksit Odisha / Odisha Proposes Statewide SOP to Protect Natural Drainage Channels, Water Bodies

Bhubaneswar, Oct 28: The Odisha Government has proposed a comprehensive statewide framework for the protection, restoration and monitoring of natural drainage channels, water bodies and flood-retention areas to reduce urban flooding, preserve natural drainage systems and safeguard public infrastructure, officials said on Wednesday.

A meeting to deliberate on the draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was held today under the chairpersonship of Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, Housing & Urban Development (H&UD) Department, at Kharavel Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.

Scientific Mapping

During the meeting, Padhee stressed the need for a coordinated and scientific approach to protecting natural drainage systems and water bodies across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). She directed the authorities concerned to undertake systematic identification and mapping of critical drainage channels, ponds, wetlands and flood-retention areas, particularly in locations vulnerable to waterlogging and flooding.

She emphasised that natural drainage pathways must be protected from encroachment, unauthorised filling, blockage, diversion and other activities that could disrupt the natural flow of water. She also called for stronger coordination among departments and urban local bodies to integrate drainage protection into urban planning and infrastructure development.

‘No Net Loss’ Principle

The proposed SOP is guided by the principle of “No Net Loss of Natural Drainage and Flood-Storage Capacity”, aimed at ensuring that development activities do not compromise natural drainage connectivity or diminish the capacity of areas that retain excess rainwater.

Under the framework, critical drainage networks and water bodies across all ULBs would be identified, surveyed, geo-referenced and mapped using GIS technology. These assets would subsequently be integrated into urban development plans, land-use plans and Comprehensive Storm Water Drainage Master Plans to strengthen development planning and flood-management measures.

District-Level Monitoring

The proposal also envisages the constitution of District-Level Committees and dedicated enforcement task forces, likely under the chairpersonship of the respective District Collectors, to coordinate the identification, protection, restoration and monitoring of drainage systems and water bodies.

Regular inspections, particularly before the monsoon season, digital documentation of encroachments and restoration activities, and periodic monitoring have been proposed to improve accountability and enable timely intervention. The framework also seeks to strengthen interdepartmental coordination for addressing drainage-related concerns.

Development projects affecting protected drainage channels and water bodies would be examined in accordance with applicable statutory provisions and technical requirements to ensure adequate drainage connectivity and preservation of flood-storage capacity.
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The proposed framework aims to align protection of natural drainage systems with urban planning, land-use regulation and infrastructure development, with the objective of reducing flood risks, protecting lives and property, and promoting climate-resilient urban growth across Odisha.

The government clarified that the SOP remains a draft under consideration and will be implemented after approval through an appropriate mechanism. Enforcement measures, if adopted, will be undertaken in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Arindam Dakua, Director of Municipal Administration; Bhagyadhar Mohanty, Chief Engineer-cum-Additional Secretary; the Engineer-in-Chief (Drainage), Water Resources Department, town planners and other concerned officers attended the meeting.