Odisha Cancels Leave of Collectors, Key Officers Ahead of Cyclone Threat
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has cancelled leave for Collectors, District Magistrates, and officers holding critical positions across the state as preparations intensify for a likely cyclonic storm developing over the Bay of Bengal.
According to Odisha Cancels Leave: Cyclone Preparations Underway, the move is aimed at ensuring complete administrative readiness to tackle any emergency arising from the impending weather threat.
A directive issued by Ghasiram Murmu, Special Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, instructed officers currently on leave to return to their respective headquarters immediately and remain prepared for emergency duties.
The state administration has adopted a proactive approach to minimise risks and ensure swift response measures in vulnerable districts.
Suresh Pujari, Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, stated that the government is fully prepared and committed to achieving a zero-casualty outcome during the cyclone event.
Emergency response agencies, including the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), have been placed on standby.
District administrations have also started reviewing preparedness plans, identifying vulnerable locations, and ensuring readiness of cyclone shelters and evacuation infrastructure.
Authorities have advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea and urged residents, particularly those living in low-lying and coastal areas, to remain alert and follow official weather advisories.
The leave cancellation order reinforces the state’s disaster management framework, ensuring that senior officials remain available for coordination, evacuation planning, relief operations, and rapid response efforts if the weather system intensifies into a cyclone.
Odisha has a long history of effectively managing cyclonic disasters, and the latest measures reflect the administration’s focus on preparedness and public safety as weather conditions continue to be monitored closely.
