Odisha Reviews Disaster Management Funding, Focuses on Preparedness and Modernization

Bhubaneswar: In a strategic review meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja led discussions on effective management and utilization of funds from the State Disaster Risk Management Fund. The meeting highlighted the need for meticulous investment and supervision of the funds allocated to key departments involved in disaster management, aiming to strengthen Odisha’s preparedness and response capabilities.

Over the past year, Rs 2458.803 crore have been distributed among critical departments such as Agriculture and Farmer Empowerment, Energy, Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Health and Family Welfare, Housing and Urban Development, Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Rural Development, and Water Resources. These funds, managed jointly by the Central and State Governments, are essential for comprehensive disaster relief, recovery, and preparedness measures across Odisha.

During the meeting, officials stressed the importance of updating disaster management plans and enhancing capacity-building programs across various sectors. The Chief Secretary underscored the need for modernized strategies, with a particular focus on procuring advanced equipment and improving disaster response training, especially within fire and emergency services. The departments were encouraged to request necessary expenditures to ensure robust disaster preparedness for the future.

Odisha has been recognized for its notable progress in disaster management, having learned valuable lessons from the catastrophic Super Cyclone in 1999. The state established the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), which has since built over 800 multi-purpose cyclone shelters and evacuation roads along its coastline to support vulnerable communities. Its comprehensive early warning system, which includes sirens and mass messaging, has been critical in relaying timely disaster-related information.

Chief Secretary Ahuja emphasized the importance of carefully managing the allocated funds to ensure they are effectively utilized for disaster resilience. “Proper investment and vigilant supervision of these funds are essential to Odisha’s ability to safeguard its communities,” he said, underscoring the state’s commitment to enhancing disaster resilience and preparedness.