Strategies chalked out for flood precaution measures

The administration in Odisha's Ganjam district has chalked out strategies to take precautionary measures to tackle a possible flood-like situation, with an eye on the approaching monsoon.
Ganjam, one of the coastal districts in the state, is in the flood and cyclone-prone zone. The strategies were discussed at the district natural calamities committee meeting held at Chhatrapur recently, said officials.
The executive engineers of the water resources department were asked to inspect the weak and vulnerable points in the river and embankments from time to time.
They have also been asked to make arrangements for stockpiling of required flood-fighting materials like sand-bag, bamboos in advance at vulnerable points. The executive engineers have identified 13 vulnerable locations on different river embankments across the district.

The administration has decided to install temporary police wireless stations and telephones in the flood-prone areas, where telephone connectivity is not available for communication.
"At least 45 boats will be kept ready for use during rescue and relief operation. The boats will be utilized depending on the gravity of the situation," said collector P C Choudhary, who presided over the meeting.
One unit of Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) has been stationed at the 8th battalion, Odisha State Armed Police (OSAP) Chhatrapur, equipped with search and rescue materials, sources said.
Similarly, an airstrip and 17 helipads have been identified for landing of helicopters carrying essential relief services, sources added.