State-Level Natural Disaster Management Committee Meeting Held at Lok Seva Bhavan
During the monsoon season, Odisha often faces various natural calamities. In view of ensuring public safety and protecting resources during such disasters, a meeting of the State-Level Natural Disaster Management Committee-2024 was held today at Lok Seva Bhavan under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi. The emphasis was on strengthening disaster preparedness and keeping the administration always ready.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Smt. Prabhati Parida, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Shri Suresh Pujari, Health Minister Shri Mukesh Mahaling, Law Minister Shri Prithviraj Harichandan, along with other ministers, MPs, and MLAs. Chief Secretary Shri Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Smt. Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Nikunja Bihari Dhal, and other senior officials were also present.
After hearing the views of committee members, the Chief Minister instructed the Water Resources Department to immediately take emergency measures to repair weak embankments and other damages caused in the past.
Due to heavy rainfall and flooding in urban areas, the Chief Minister also directed the Urban Development Department to take steps for desilting city drains and ensuring proper water drainage. Furthermore, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation was instructed to submit a ₹200 crore proposal for flood management in urban areas as soon as possible.
He added that a long-term flood management plan would be developed for cities like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack with technical assistance from IIT Delhi. Control rooms at the state, district, and other administrative levels will operate 24/7.
Given the increased risk of snakebites during the rainy season, the Chief Minister directed the Health Department to ensure anti-snake venom injections are adequately stocked at all health centers.
Efforts will be made to raise public awareness about the Satark Mobile App, which provides early warnings on various disasters. The Chief Minister emphasized the need to popularize the app among the general public.
He also highlighted that Odisha is the first state in India to have a dedicated State Disaster Response Force (ODRAF), which is considered one of the best at the national level. Currently consisting of 20 units, ODRAF will be expanded to 30 units and developed into a dedicated force by the Home Department.
Additionally, ₹394 crore has already been spent from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to enhance the capacity of the Fire Services Department, with a further ₹200 crore to be arranged. In light of potential flooding this year, a dedicated Relief Commissioner will coordinate across departments to minimize disaster-related damages.
In his opening remarks, Chief Minister Shri Majhi stated that Odisha is highly prone to natural disasters due to its geographical location, frequently experiencing floods, cyclones, lightning, sunstroke, drowning incidents, and fire outbreaks.
He affirmed that the government, being a people’s government, always prioritizes citizens’ concerns and stressed the importance of ensuring zero loss of life during disasters. All necessary steps will be taken to strengthen the existing disaster management system.
The Chief Minister directed that adequate food and cattle feed be stored in inaccessible areas, and dry food and essential supplies be stocked at all shelter centers. Special attention should be given to pregnant women, children, the sick, and the elderly. Control rooms at various levels including departments, districts, and blocks will operate 24×7.
He urged the public to remain alert to potential disasters in their respective regions and advised Gram Panchayats to be prepared for disaster response. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Shri Suresh Pujari conducted the meeting proceedings. MPs, MLAs, and other committee members contributed valuable suggestions during the session.
