Finance
The Odisha government reviewed its disaster preparedness on Monday at the State Level Natural Disaster Committee Meeting-2026 (SLNCC), which was held at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Centre. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strengthening its “zero casualty” approach to natural disasters.
Chairing the high-level meeting, the Chief Minister stated that Odisha has created a “foolproof” disaster management system over the years and emphasized the importance of maintaining and strengthening it in order to effectively respond to growing climate-related issues.
The conference, attended by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Revenue & Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, centered on increasing inter-departmental cooperation through a “Whole of Government” approach to better planning and reaction.
The Chief Minister asked the Agriculture, Irrigation, and related departments to draft a coordinated contingency plan to protect the Kharif crop from below-normal rainfall caused by the El Niño effect. He also directed officials to constantly monitor rainfall patterns, reservoir levels, crop planning, and the availability of seeds and fertilizers.
Concerns over a probable worldwide fertilizer scarcity caused by geopolitical tensions prompted district collectors to closely monitor the production and distribution of urea and complex fertilizers, as well as ensuring appropriate availability of nano urea when needed. To combat fertilizer black selling, the government has established panchayat-level monitoring committees.
Majhi highlighted earlier disaster response efforts, stating that Odisha’s effective management during Cyclones “Montha” and “Dana” illustrated the state’s readiness and rapid response mechanism. He stated that during Cyclone “Montha,” 33 ODRAF teams, 5 NDRF teams, and 123 fire service units were sent to evacuate around 38,000 people to safety.
The Chief Minister stated that Odisha’s disaster management strategy has garnered international recognition, especially at the recent BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group conference in Puri.
He also assessed infrastructural preparations, noting that Rs 6 lakh per year has been set aside for the upkeep of 911 multipurpose cyclone shelters around the state. Drinking water, electricity, and cooking facilities are planned ahead of time.
The Common Alerting Protocol (CAP)-based SMS warning system, 24-hour emergency control center, and 112 helpline are all operational, he said, adding that efforts must be made to reduce disinformation during catastrophes through fast and correct communication.
During the conference, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari highlighted Odisha’s recent success in managing natural disasters, setting a global example. He stated that the state has effectively upheld the “Zero Casualty” policy as a result of well-planned preparation and prompt rescue efforts. He reviewed financial support and infrastructure requirements for disaster management and emphasized the correct use of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). He informed that during recent floods and cyclones, prompt relief and temporary restoration of public property worth crores of rupees were undertaken in North Odisha and flood-affected districts.
MLAs and MPs who attended the meeting made several key recommendations based on ground realities in their constituencies. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari expressed gratitude for all of the useful input from public representatives and pledged that they will be fully integrated into the state’s disaster management plan.
Members of the state government, MPs, MLAs, the Chief Secretary, Development Commissioner, Special Relief Commissioner, and senior officials attended the event.
