Bhubaneswar: With incessant downpour triggering floods and waterlogging in several parts of the state, the Odisha government has ramped up measures to deal with the situation in urban areas on a war-footing. The Department is giving top priority to public safety, rapid drainage of water and relief measures in urban areas. The proposed master plan will assess natural water flow, existing drainage networks, water-holding capacity, rainfall patterns, drainage routes and future urbanisation. Based on these assessments, phased projects for the construction, rehabilitation and expansion of drainage infrastructure will be undertaken to build more resilient and flood-resistant urban areas. “The Government is committed not only to providing immediate relief during the present situation but also to implementing permanent, scientific and sustainable solutions to urban waterlogging,” Mahapatra said.