Odisha to Expand Disaster Infrastructure, Weather Monitoring Systems

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has intensified efforts to strengthen its disaster preparedness framework, with the State Government directing departments to expedite key mitigation projects, enhance early warning systems and improve disaster response infrastructure across vulnerable regions.

The decisions were taken at a high-level review meeting chaired by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari at Lok Seva Bhawan on Thursday. Stressing the importance of proactive disaster management, the Minister assured that the government would extend all necessary financial and administrative support to strengthen the state’s preparedness against natural disasters.

Reviewing the implementation of projects funded under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) and National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF), Pujari directed all departments to speed up execution and complete ongoing works ahead of schedule.

The meeting also focused on expanding critical disaster infrastructure, particularly the construction of Multipurpose Flood and Cyclone Centres. Officials were instructed to quickly identify suitable locations, improve coordination among departments and ensure timely completion of the proposed shelters.

Strengthening Odisha’s weather forecasting network also featured prominently during the review. Officials informed the Minister that the Doppler Weather Radar at Sambalpur is ready for commissioning, while installations at Balasore, Bhubaneswar and Puri have been directed to be completed within this year.

With concerns over the possible impact of El Niño, the Minister asked officials to work closely with the Water Resources Department to optimise the use of reservoirs and irrigation infrastructure for effective water management.

He also directed that the proposed Heat Wave Centres in vulnerable districts be established before the next summer season to improve preparedness against extreme weather conditions.

The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Arvind Padhee, Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department Shubha Sharma, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Rural Development Department Yamini Sarangi, IMD Bhubaneswar Director Manorama Mohanty, senior officials of the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) and representatives of various departments.