Odisha H&UD Department on high alert for Cyclone ‘Montha’

Bhubaneswar(25/10/2025): With Cyclone ‘Montha’ approaching the Odisha coast, the Housing & Urban Development (H&UD) Department has put all urban areas of the state on high alert and intensified preparedness measures to ensure public safety and continuity of essential services. The leave of all officers engaged in emergency duties has been cancelled.

Dr.Krushna Chandra Mohapatra, Minister, Housing & Urban Development, has directed all field officers to remain at their respective headquarters and stay vigilant round the clock.

Acting on the Minister’s advice, the Department has issued comprehensive instructions to all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to ensure effective cyclone preparedness, response, and relief. All ULBs have been instructed to identify and monitor waterlogging-prone areas, deploy required manpower and equipment, and ensure timely drainage of stormwater.

Cyclone shelters have been kept on standby, with arrangements made for cooked food, safe drinking water, and emergency supplies.

Field officials have been directed to maintain uninterrupted water supply, ensure functionality of DG sets and pumps, and keep sanitation teams ready for immediate deployment.

“The safety and well-being of citizens is our foremost priority.

All ULBs have been directed to remain fully alert and take immediate preventive and relief measures,” said Dr.Mohapatra, Minister, Housing & Urban Development. The Department is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the State Emergency Operations Centre for timely action.

Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, H&UD Department, has written to all Commissioners and Executive Officers, instructing them to strictly adhere to the departmental guidelines in letter and spirit and ensure seamless coordination at the field level.