Gajapati, Sept. 22 (UDN): The Gajapati district administration has intensified its preparedness measures in view of the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) forecast of heavy rainfall under the influence of a developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal.
Officials, including district-level officers, Block Development Officers (BDOs) and Tehsildars, have been directed to remain at their respective headquarters until September 25 and stay prepared to respond to any emergency.
A preparatory meeting chaired by Additional District Magistrate (Revenue) Munindra Honnaga was held on Tuesday to assess the district’s preparedness. The meeting focused on response arrangements at the block level and measures required to deal with possible flooding, waterlogging and other rain-related emergencies.
According to Honnaga, the IMD has issued weather alerts for Gajapati for the period between September 21 and 25, including a red warning for September 23 and 24. Yellow warnings have been issued for the remaining days.
The administration is closely monitoring low-lying and vulnerable areas across the district. Officials have been instructed to facilitate evacuation and relocation of residents if conditions deteriorate, while ensuring that emergency services remain readily available.
“We are keeping a close watch on low-lying areas. If the situation demands, people will be relocated and emergency services will be provided. All officials have been asked to remain at their headquarters till September 25,” Honnaga said.
The district administration is also coordinating with field-level officials to ensure timely response in the event of heavy rainfall or other weather-related incidents.
At the state level, Chief Secretary Anu Garg had reviewed the preparedness of Ganjam, Gajapati, Malkangiri and other vulnerable districts with Collectors and senior officials on Monday.
During the review, officials were directed to closely monitor low-lying areas, drainage networks and river basins and ensure that response mechanisms were in place before the weather system intensifies.
Authorities have also been asked to cancel the leave of officials in districts likely to be affected and make arrangements for the shifting of expectant mothers to hospitals as a precautionary measure.
With the IMD warning of heavy rainfall, the Gajapati administration has urged all departments and field functionaries to remain on alert and closely track developments over the next few days.