High-level meeting outlines long-term plan to fix Sambalpur waterlogging
MP Dharmendra Pradhan led a virtual meeting on July 31, 2026, to draft a long-term plan for Sambalpur’s drainage, water supply and waste management to end recurring waterlogging.
MP Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a virtual meeting on July 31, 2026, with Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik and senior officials to devise a permanent solution to Sambalpur’s recurring waterlogging. The meeting called for a long-term blueprint to upgrade the city’s drainage, sewerage, drinking water supply and solid waste management systems, aiming to prevent future flooding. Officials stressed the need for uninterrupted safe water supply during waterlogging and coordinated action among administration, public representatives and residents.
What infrastructure improvements were discussed for Sambalpur?
The meeting stressed the need to prepare a long-term blueprint for improving the city’s drainage, sewerage, drinking water supply and solid waste management systems.
Officials said the plan aims to address the root causes of waterlogging and prevent similar problems in the future.
Special emphasis was placed on ensuring uninterrupted supply of safe drinking water to every household during waterlogging situations.
Authorities were also asked to prioritise the cleaning of drains and sewer lines and to keep citizens informed about administrative measures through transparent public communication.
Pradhan called for coordinated efforts among the administration, public representatives and local residents to achieve a lasting solution to the city’s civic challenges.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to develop a comprehensive and sustainable strategy to strengthen Sambalpur’s urban infrastructure and improve disaster preparedness during periods of heavy rainfall.
How extensive is the current flood impact across Odisha?
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said that floods have affected at least 15 districts across Odisha, impacting 57 blocks.
According to official figures, 446 gram panchayats and 1,362 villages have been affected, with a total of 791,846 people impacted by the deluge.
Around 268,943 people remain stranded in waterlogged areas, the minister added.
The floods have damaged nearly 21,380 hectares of agricultural land and destroyed around 700 houses, causing widespread hardship for affected families.
Minister Pujari said the remaining 15 districts in the state are currently free from flood-related threats.
He spoke after reviewing the flood situation earlier on the same day.
What relief and rescue operations are underway?
To assist residents, the State government has opened 647 relief centres, providing shelter, food and other essential supplies.
Rescue, relief and restoration operations are continuing, while authorities closely monitor the situation and assess the extent of the damage.
Officials said these measures aim to alleviate the hardship faced by those displaced by the flooding.
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Who chaired the high-level meeting on Sambalpur’s waterlogging?
Member of Parliament Dharmendra Pradhan chaired the virtual meeting.
When was the meeting held to address Sambalpur’s waterlogging?
The meeting was held on Friday, July 31, 2026.
What systems were identified for improvement in Sambalpur’s long-term blueprint?
The blueprint focuses on drainage, sewerage, drinking water supply and solid waste management.
How many districts in Odisha have been affected by the floods according to the minister?
At least 15 districts across Odisha have been affected.
How many people are stranded in waterlogged areas in Odisha?
Around 268,943 people remain stranded in waterlogged areas.
What relief measures has the state government set up for flood-affected residents?
The government has opened 647 relief centres providing shelter, food and other essential supplies.
What did the minister say about the remaining districts in Odisha?
The remaining 15 districts are currently free from flood-related threats.
What agricultural loss has been reported due to the floods?
Nearly 21,380 hectares of agricultural land have been damaged.
How many houses have been destroyed by the floods?
Around 700 houses have been destroyed.
What commitment did the meeting conclude with regarding Sambalpur’s infrastructure?
To develop a comprehensive and sustainable strategy to strengthen urban infrastructure and improve disaster preparedness during heavy rainfall.
Debraj Meher
District Correspondent, Sambalpur
Debraj Meher reports on Sambalpur district's civic affairs, the Hirakud dam command area, and the region's handloom economy. He has been the Mirror's Sambalpur correspondent since 2021.
View all articles by Debraj →
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