Finance
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed Odisha’s Cyclone Montha preparedness today at Lok Seva Bhawan and instructed officials to keep “zero casualties” as the top priority. Though the cyclone is now impacting Andhra Pradesh, heavy rain and severe winds are forecast for numerous districts in Odisha, particularly in the south.
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that no residents are left in risk zones and that everyone is relocated to cyclone-flood shelters or other safe areas. He reminded that during last year’s Cyclone ‘Dana,’ Odisha effectively evacuated citizens with no losses, emphasizing that evacuation remains a critical approach.
All departments have been advised to remain fully prepared to restore key services immediately following the cyclone and to keep roadways clear of uprooted trees. As harvest season approaches, the Agriculture Department has been tasked with analyzing crop damage and giving timely support to farmers.
To boost catastrophe readiness, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari has held daily review sessions over the last three days. The Chief Minister encouraged Divisional Secretaries and District Collectors to carefully oversee all plans.
Special Relief Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh, DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, and secretaries from various departments informed the Chief Minister on departmental readiness.
The cyclone is most likely to affect eight districts: Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur. So far, 11,396 people have been evacuated, while another 30,554 are on standby for transfer. A total of 2,693 pregnant women are being transferred to health care facilities for safety.
To combat the storm, 30 ODRAF teams, 5 NDRF teams, and 123 firefighting squads have been dispatched, with more teams on standby. Schools and Anganwadi centers in the affected districts will be closed until October 30, with a possible extension if necessary.
Departments are prepared to provide uninterrupted power and drinking water, with DG sets installed in all critical service facilities. Health clinics in the impacted areas have enough medicines, anti-snake venom serum, and treatment kits. Tourists are prohibited from visiting coastal and hilly areas until October 31, and fisherman are cautioned against going into the sea.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner cum Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretaries Deoranjan Kumar Singh and Satyabrata Sahu, DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, and other senior officials attended the meeting. District Collectors participated virtually.
