Odisha Strengthens Disaster Preparedness; ₹6 Lakh Maintenance Grant for Each Cyclone Shelter

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday chaired the State-Level Natural Calamity Committee (SLNCC) meeting and emphasized the need to further strengthen the state’s disaster management framework, reaffirming the government’s commitment to its “Zero Casualty” policy.

The high-level meeting, held at Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Centre in Bhubaneswar, was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, senior government officials, MPs, MLAs, and representatives from various departments.

Focus on Disaster Preparedness

Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said Odisha has developed a robust and nearly foolproof disaster management system over the years, earning recognition both nationally and internationally. He stressed that maintaining and continuously improving this system remains a top priority for the government.

Several key decisions were taken during the meeting to enhance the state’s preparedness for natural disasters and ensure effective response mechanisms in the future.

El Niño Concerns and Agriculture Preparedness

With forecasts indicating the possible impact of El Niño leading to below-normal rainfall this year, the Chief Minister directed the Agriculture Department to prepare a comprehensive contingency plan. He instructed agriculture, irrigation, and other related departments to work in close coordination under a “Whole of Government” approach to minimize any adverse impact on the Kharif crop season.

A state-level monitoring mechanism has been put in place to track rainfall, water levels, crop planning, and the availability of seeds and fertilizers. District collectors have also been asked to closely monitor fertilizer supplies and maintain adequate stocks of nano urea to address any shortages caused by potential global supply disruptions.

Measures to Prevent Fertilizer Black Marketing

The government has directed authorities to keep a close watch on fertilizer distribution amid concerns of global shortages due to geopolitical instability in the Middle East. Vigilance committees have been formed at the panchayat level to prevent black marketing and ensure farmers receive fertilizers without disruption.

Odisha’s ‘Zero Casualty’ Model Praised

The Chief Minister highlighted Odisha’s globally acclaimed disaster management practices and noted that the state’s “Zero Casualty” approach has become a model for disaster risk reduction. He also mentioned that Odisha’s disaster preparedness system received appreciation during the recent BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group technical meeting held in Puri.

Lessons from Recent Cyclones

Majhi cited the successful management of Cyclone Montha and earlier Cyclone Dana as examples of Odisha’s preparedness. During Cyclone Montha, which affected 11 districts, nearly 38,000 people were safely evacuated from vulnerable areas.

The evacuation and relief operations involved 33 ODRAF teams, five NDRF units, and 123 Fire Services teams, helping restore normalcy in record time.

₹6 Lakh Grant for Each Cyclone Shelter

To strengthen disaster infrastructure, the government has allocated an annual maintenance grant of ₹6 lakh for each of the state’s 911 multi-purpose cyclone and flood shelters. The funds will be used to ensure the availability of drinking water, lighting, cooking facilities, and other essential services.

Improved Early Warning and Communication Systems

The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of providing accurate and timely information to the public during disasters. He directed officials to utilize television, social media platforms, and mobile communication systems to counter rumours and disseminate verified information.

The state’s emergency response infrastructure, including the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP)-based SMS warning system, 24-hour emergency control rooms, and the 112 helpline service, remains fully operational.

Expansion of Emergency Response Forces

Odisha currently has 20 ODRAF teams and 347 fire stations equipped with modern rescue equipment. The process of creating 10 additional ODRAF units is underway to further strengthen the state’s emergency response capabilities.

Commitment to Protect Lives and Livelihoods

Concluding the meeting, the Chief Minister reiterated that protecting the lives and livelihoods of people remains the government’s foremost priority. He called for greater coordination among departments and active public participation to maintain Odisha’s leadership in disaster management and preparedness.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari also highlighted Odisha’s achievements in disaster response and relief operations, stating that the state has set a benchmark for effective disaster management through careful planning and timely intervention.

Public representatives present at the meeting offered several suggestions based on ground realities in their constituencies. The Chief Minister assured that valuable recommendations would be considered while strengthening the state’s disaster management strategy.