Bhubaneswar, 15 November 2026: In view of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast of a developing low-pressure system over the southeast Bay of Bengal, the Department of Water Resources (DoWR), Government of Odisha, has intensified its preparedness to effectively manage potential rainfall and flood situations across the state. In this regard, a high-level virtual review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Er. Dillip Kumar Rout, Engineer-in-Chief, Water Resources. The Engineer-in-Chief, Planning & Designs; Engineer-in-Chief, Schemes & Monitoring; Chief Engineer, RBVN; Additional Chief Engineers; and all concerned Superintending Engineers also participated in the meeting.
The meeting held detailed discussions on anticipated rainfall, the possibility of increased river flows, expected reservoir inflows and strategic reservoir management to address any emerging situation. Particular attention was given to assessing the increased water storage following Cyclone Arnab in eight medium reservoirs in Ganjam district and two medium reservoirs in Gajapati district.
Taking into account the prevailing storage levels and evolving weather forecasts, the meeting also finalised a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to guide reservoir operations and preparedness measures during the upcoming weather event.The review emphasised continuous monitoring of reservoir water levels, effective coordination among different divisions and timely decision-making to minimise potential flood-related risks. Field-level officials were also advised to maintain heightened vigilance and remain prepared to take prompt action as required.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety and proactive flood management, the Department continues to prioritise anticipatory planning, precautionary measures and coordinated action. Continuous monitoring of the evolving weather situation and preparedness at all levels will remain central to safeguarding critical water infrastructure and protecting downstream communities.
