India, Oct. 25 -- With the threat of Cyclone Montha looming over the Bay of Bengal, the Odisha government has stepped up preparedness in the coastal districts.

The Balasore district administration has cancelled all government employees' leaves, while the Ganjam District Magistrate has directed officials to remain stationed at their headquarters until further orders.

An official order issued by Balasore Collector on Saturday stated, "All government officials are required to stay in their respective headquarters and shall not leave without prior permission of the Collector and District Magistrate."

It further added that all leaves already availed stand cancelled, and employees currently on leave must resume duty immediately. Any deviatio...