Chief Secretary leads high-level meeting on cyclone Dana readiness in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Oct 22: A high-level meeting led by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja took place on Tuesday to assess Odisha's readiness for the approaching Cyclone Dana. The meeting concentrated on maintaining essential services, including electricity, drinking water, and healthcare, in the event of disruptions caused by the cyclone.

Key discussions focused on the operational readiness of generator sets in hospitals and other critical facilities to ensure uninterrupted services during power outages. Departments such as Energy, Panchayati Raj, and Drinking Water were tasked with coordinating timely water supply, particularly through tankers where necessary.

Officials emphasized the need for proactive measures, urging that all water tanks be filled to capacity in both rural and urban areas by October 23. The importance of mechanical readiness for generator sets was highlighted, with directives for trial runs and ensuring sufficient diesel supplies for emergencies.

Beyond cyclone preparedness, the Chief Secretary reviewed the state's progress in various government programs, noting a 13.73% increase in Odisha's own revenue collection as of September 2024 compared to the previous year.

Ahuja encouraged all departments to effectively utilize their approved budgets to ensure the successful implementation of government schemes and initiatives. The meeting also included a presentation on departmental activities through September, focusing on enhancing fund utilization efficiency. Officials were reminded to prioritize public welfare and the effective execution of state schemes, especially in anticipation of potential natural disasters.

The public was advised to store sufficient water and use it wisely during and after the cyclone until normalcy is restored.