The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday reviewed its monsoon preparedness and directed all departments to complete desilting of drains, repair damaged infrastructure and avoid fresh road excavation works before the onset of the rainy season.
The preparedness meeting was held at Ekamra Hall in the BMC headquarters under the chairmanship of Mayor Sulochana Das in the presence of Deputy Mayor Manjulata Kanhar, Commissioner Chanchal Rana, Additional Commissioners Sasmita Sahu and Kailash Chandra Das, corporators and officials of various allied departments.
The Mayor instructed officials to expedite drain desilting, repair broken drains and intensify trimming of tree branches to prevent disruption during heavy rain and Kalbaisakhi storms. She also asked the Fire Services department to assist wherever required.
Officials were directed to keep water pumps ready in waterlogging-prone areas after servicing and ensure rapid action teams remain alert during the monsoon period. The civic body also ordered immediate repair of damaged drain walls, installation of slabs over open drains and barricading of vulnerable spots before the rains.
The BMC further directed officials to take measures to prevent damage to drain walls caused by tree roots and issue notices to residents planting trees close to drains.
Commissioner Chanchal Rana ordered strict removal of sludge excavated from drains within 24 hours. Several corporators complained that though desilting was being carried out by WATCO, the sludge was not being lifted from roads in time.
The Commissioner also directed all departments, including WATCO and TPDCL, not to undertake fresh road digging works in waterlogging-prone areas during the monsoon. Ongoing excavation works have been asked to be completed immediately.
Schools at the ward level will be prepared for use as cyclone shelters with arrangements for lighting, drinking water and sanitation facilities. BMC community centres and Kalyan Mandaps will also be kept ready for emergency use.
Expressing concern over unsafe electric poles in different parts of the city, the Commissioner directed Tata Power authorities to replace them immediately. Joint monitoring of tree trimming and streetlight maintenance by BMC and TPDCL officials was also ordered.
Corporators highlighted civic problems in different wards during the meeting, following which officials concerned were instructed to resolve all pending issues before the arrival of the monsoon season.