Finance
Puri is preparing to host a three-day international conference called the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group Technical Meeting, which begins today.
This is Odisha’s first time holding a BRICS-level meeting, emphasizing the state’s proven disaster management capabilities and rising international cooperation.
Delegates from 11 countries — Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Indonesia — have gathered under India’s BRICS Presidency for in-depth discussions on resilience building, prevention strategies, technological innovation, and cross-border cooperation in dealing with natural disasters and climate challenges.
As the group’s first in-person technical conference under India’s chairmanship in 2026, the event is planned to enhance practical collaboration in disaster preparedness, response, and long-term recovery methods.
The three-day deliberations are being place at a Puri hotel under tight security, including significant CCTV footage and increased police personnel. Authorities have also increased security in Konark, where delegates are expected to visit during their stay.
This high-profile gathering highlights Odisha’s growing international reputation for disaster management.
The Puri district administration and police officers have made extensive preparations to ensure the success of the international event.
Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania performed a thorough on-site evaluation of security procedures at the Taj Hotel in the Balia Panda region, which hosted the BRICS Meeting.
The DGP personally examined the hotel and surrounding areas shortly before the conference began. Puri SP Prateek Singh gave him an in-depth briefing on traffic management, VIP movement protocols, and overall security precautions.
According to the plan, the entire hotel and its surroundings would be under intense protection during the event. To provide perfect protection, up to eight platoons of police would be deployed, along with senior officers.
The first session of the three-day BRICS meeting is scheduled for today. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will be the Chief Guest, while Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari will address the audience as the Chief Speaker.
