Odisha Showcases Global Disaster Resilience Leadership at BRICS Meeting

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Odisha hosted the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group Technical Meeting in Puri.
CM Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted the state’s “Zero Casualty” disaster management model.
A 160-km Greenfield Coastal Highway will strengthen evacuation and emergency response systems.

PURI: Odisha reinforced its position as a global leader in disaster preparedness as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Meeting in Puri. The event brought together delegates from BRICS nations to discuss strategies for strengthening resilience against natural disasters and climate-related challenges.

Addressing the gathering, Majhi emphasized that disaster risk reduction is no longer just a governance issue but a critical pillar of sustainable development and human security.

BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Meeting Highlights Odisha Model

The Chief Minister showcased Odisha’s internationally recognised “Zero Casualty” disaster management approach, developed through decades of experience in handling cyclones, floods and extreme weather events.

He said the model is built on:

Advanced early warning systems
Community participation
Disaster-resilient infrastructure
Efficient evacuation mechanisms

Odisha’s disaster response framework has gained international attention for significantly reducing loss of life during major cyclones over the past two decades.

Climate Change Demands Stronger Global Cooperation

Majhi warned that climate change, rapid urbanisation and environmental degradation are increasing the frequency and intensity of disasters worldwide.

He stressed the need for stronger cooperation among nations and states to improve preparedness, knowledge sharing and disaster response capabilities.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Ten-Point Agenda for Disaster Risk Reduction, he said Odisha remains committed to implementing practical and scalable solutions that can benefit vulnerable communities.

Coastal Highway to Boost Disaster Preparedness

A key announcement during the event was the recently approved 160-kilometre Greenfield Coastal Highway connecting Rameswar and Paradeep.

According to the Chief Minister, the project will:

Enable faster evacuation during cyclones
Improve emergency response capabilities
Ensure uninterrupted movement of essential supplies
Strengthen coastal resilience infrastructure

The highway is expected to become a critical component of Odisha’s disaster management strategy in the coming years.

Odisha Calls for Action-Oriented Partnerships

Majhi also highlighted the growing importance of urban resilience, urging policymakers to adopt climate-sensitive planning and proactive measures against heatwaves, lightning strikes and coastal erosion.

He called on BRICS nations to move beyond discussions and build concrete partnerships capable of addressing future disaster risks.

Lessons From the 1999 Super Cyclone

Suresh Pujari said Odisha’s transformation in disaster management began after the devastating 1999 Super Cyclone.

He noted that lessons learned from that tragedy helped create a governance model that is now recognised globally for its emphasis on preparedness, community engagement and rapid response.

As delegates continue discussions in Puri, Odisha hopes the outcomes of the meeting, described as the “Puri Deliberations,” will contribute to shaping future international frameworks for disaster risk reduction and climate resilience.

Also Read | Odisha Wins PM Surya Ghar Excellence Award for Solar Energy Leadership

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