Odisha to invest Rs 400 crore for disaster management

BHUBANESWAR: In order to strengthen its disaster management system with cutting-edge equipment and thorough training for frontline units in the face of frequent natural disasters, Odisha has decided to invest Rs 400 crore, authorities said. The decision was taken at the State Executive Committee meeting, which was presided over by S C Mohapatra, Chief Secretary of Odisha. 

According to P K Jena, Development Commissioner-cum-Special Relief Commissioner, the investment would strengthen frontline organisations like the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and firefighters. According to him, the money would also be used to purchase cutting-edge rescue and relief tools. The Housing and Urban Development Department has been tasked with keeping drains clear and building more flood shelters in flood-prone locations, among other things.

Before agreeing to build more flood shelters, officials claimed that they had taken into account the experience of the twin floods in the rivers Mahanadi and Subarnarekha in August this year. In vulnerable locations like Bari in Jajpur district, Dhamnagar in Bhadrak district, and Gop in Puri district, flood embankments will be strengthened, according to them. The meeting also covered a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) proposal. Additional funding would be mobilised for long-term recovery, reconstruction, and potential damage reduction after a thorough assessment of the needs, according to Jena.