File picture of water being released from the Hirakud dam

Sambalpur, Aug. 1: The district administration geared up to tackle possible flood situation in the city and convened an emergency meeting to discuss the matter.

District emergency officer Nihar Ranjan Dash said proper management of the water released from the Hirakud dam was discussed. “If the water is released in a balanced manner, there will not be any flood situation,” he said.

Moreover, the drainage management of the city was also discussed at the meeting. The Sambalpur Municipality was instructed to clear the blockages of all the drains of the city within three days. Similarly, the irrigation department was also asked to clear the Dhobijor nullah, the main drainage channel of the city.

Keeping in mind the 2011 floods, the Sambalpur district administration divided the flood-prone areas of the city into 12 units — Bhatra, Dhanupali, Sunapali, Pensionpara, Sakhigopinathpara, Gole Bazaar, Bad Bazaar, Talbhatapara, Durgapali, Khetrajpur, Braipali and Danipali.

Fourteen temporary shelters were identified for the 12 units. Several voluntary and social organisations have also been selected to work during the floods.

The temporary shelters, where the flood victims are to be accommodated, are Dhanupali Girls High School, Bhutapara Urdu School, Ranisati Mandir, kalyan mandap near Jail Chhak, Ashraya, Sindhi Dharmsharla at Ashapali, Marwari Dharmashala in Gole Bazaar, Municipal Girls High School, Samaleswari College, Durgapali Upper Primary School, Marwari Dharamshala of Khetrajpur, Guru Nanak Public School and Central School.

The district administration has estimated that more than 1,600 households are likely to be affected by the possible floods.

It has selected social service organisations such as Lions Club, Rotary Club, Marwari Yuva Manch, Sanskrutik Samaj, Satyasai Seva Samiti and Gurudwara Seva Samiti to work during the floods.