Odisha identifies weak points along river embankments

With the onset of monsoon in the state, Odisha government took stock of preparedness for the possible floods as the water resources department has identified 241 weak points along different river embankments.
"As many as 241 weak and vulnerable points have been identified on different river embankments out of which 14 are considered critical," the Water Resources department officials informed the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), who reviewed the preaparedness for any heavy rainfall.
Attending the meeting presided over by SRC G V V Sarma here, the chief engineer and basin manager, Lower Mahanadi Basin, informed that 44 breaches - occurred in different river embankments during the last year floods - have been closed down.

The Water Resource department also said that arrangements have been made to store flood fighting materials like gunny bags, sand, bamboo at strategic locations near such vulnerable points. Besides, arrangement for guarding such points has been made, it informed the SRC.
Director, IMD S Sahu, who attended the meeting explained about the weather warnings and catchment-wise rainfall bulletins being issued by the Meteorological Centre to different authorities and media.
"The Doppler Weather Radars at Paradip and Gopalpur are likely to be commissioned soon," Sahu informed.
Departments of Works, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj also claimed to have made necessary arrangements for early restoration of damaged roads, if any, in the eventuality of flood to facilitate transportation of relief materials. Similar works in urban areas are to be done by ULBs, the SRC said.