Bhubaneswar: With the Regional India Meteorological Department here predicting heavy to very rainfall in Odisha within the next 24 hours, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Saturday cancelled the leaves of its staff and directed them to report on duty till August 21.
The Multi-Agency Control room at BMC started functioning from 10 pm last night. The BMC staff with designated officials from PWD, PHEO and Water Resources department have been directed to work in three shifts- 10 pm-6 am, 6 am-2 pm and 2 pm-10 pm on a daily basis till August 21.
The BMC has positioned water pumps at vulnerable places in the city as a precautionary measure. The areas include Malihanta Tank, Meghaswar Colony, New Forest Park, Sri Ram Nagar Lane – 10, Sarda Matha Lane and Garage Chhak Canal Side (Daya West Canal).
Besides, 13 sector officers have been put on alert to contact the Multi-Agency Control Room in case of any emergency situation.
An official bulletin from the Regional office of India Meteorological Department in Bhubaneswar stated on Saturday that low pressure would develop over Northwest Bay of Bengal of West Bengal-Odisha coast due to a cyclonic circulation extending up to 7.6 km above mean sea level.
Under its influence, the IMD has forecast rainfall and thundershower over most districts of Odisha during the next two days.
Kalinga AI