Apprehensive of a flood-like situation following release of water from Hirakud dam, Sambalpur administration has taken a number of steps to meet any eventuality.
Collector Balwant Singh said district administration has divided the flood prone areas of the town into 12 portions. Those are Bhatra, Dhanupali, Sunapali, Pensionpara, Sakhigopinathpara, Golebazar, Badbazar, Talbhatapara, Durgapali, Khetrajpur, Baraipali and Danipali of the town.
Areas where 14 temporary shelters will come up have also been identified. It has been decided that temporary shelters will be opened at Dhanupali Girls High School, Bhutapara Urdu School, Ranisati Mandir, Kalyan Mandap near Jail chhack, Ashraya, Sindhi Dharmsharla in AN Guha Lane, Marwari Dharmashala in Golebazar, Municipal Girls High School, Samaleswari College, Durgapali Upper Primary School, Marwari Dharamshala of Khetrajpur, Guru Nanak Public School and Kendriya Vidyalaya, all within the town limits, to accommodate flood-affected people.
District Emergency Officer Nihar Ranjan Dash said whenever there is sudden or excess release of water from Hirakud dam, water goes into internal sewage system from river Mahanadi resulting in deluge in low lying areas.
Dash said officials of the Municipality have been asked to ensure that all the drains in the town are cleaned within three days to allow free flow of water.
