Odisha Govt Allocates ₹200 Cr for Urban Flood Mitigation and Disaster Preparedness
In a strategic move to enhance disaster preparedness and mitigate urban flooding, the newly-formed BJP administration in Odisha has allocated ₹200 crore for these critical initiatives. The decision was made during a comprehensive natural disaster management committee meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.
The government plans to expand the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) from 20 to 30 units, strengthening its capacity to respond to natural disasters effectively. The Home Department has been instructed to make ODRAF a dedicated force capable of tackling emergencies efficiently. Additionally, five regional Fire Services hubs will be established to respond promptly to sudden accidents, such as the recent Bahanaga train incident.
Discussions during the meeting also focused on flood management strategies for the current rainy season. Special Relief Commissioner Satyabrata Sahu provided insights into the state’s preparedness for potential flooding, emphasizing the need to prevent artificial flooding during heavy rainfall in urban areas. A substantial budget of ₹200 crore has been earmarked for this purpose.
IIT Delhi has been tasked with providing technological support to address urban flooding issues in cities like Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. The institute will develop a long-term plan to tackle this problem and submit it to the government for implementation. Additionally, the state’s existing 24×7 control rooms, which provide flood-related information at various levels, will be upgraded to smart control rooms for enhanced efficiency.
The Health Department has been directed to ensure an adequate supply of anti-snake venom across hospitals to handle snake bite incidents during floods, as part of a broader initiative to enhance healthcare readiness in the face of natural disasters.
Chief Minister Majhi emphasized the government’s commitment to comprehensive disaster management planning. “Increasing the number of ODRAF units from 20 to 30 is a crucial step in our preparedness strategy,” he stated. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari also urged public cooperation, noting that meticulous plans have been prepared to handle any natural disaster in the state.
These proactive measures by the Odisha government aim to strengthen disaster management systems and reduce the impact of natural calamities on the state’s population.
