Odisha: Every year, commemorates Disaster Preparedness Day on October 29, as a grim reminder of the devastating Super Cyclone that struck the region, causing extensive damage. This year’s observance took place at Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar.
In a video message on this occasion, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik acknowledged that dealing with disasters has been a significant challenge for Odisha, but the state has consistently responded effectively to each one. He cited the recent Bahanaga train tragedy as a testament to their preparedness.
Addressing the audience, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Satyabrata Sahu expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring that all villages are well-prepared to face any disaster. A substantial budget of Rs 2,000 crore will be allocated for infrastructure development. Over the past decade, a notable transformation has occurred, with the conversion of many thatched houses into permanent structures.
However, a growing concern for the government is the increasing number of fatalities resulting from lightning, snake bites, and drowning. To address this, the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams will be deployed in districts experiencing such incidents.
SRC Sahu further highlighted that Odisha received recognition as the best state for its disaster management efforts this year, a significant achievement. The state’s primary focus now is on preparing for chemical and biological disasters, as the outcome could have been more severe had the train involved in the Balasore incident been carrying hazardous materials.
Similarly, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Sudam Marndi explained that Odisha has been observing October 29 as ‘Sankalp Diwas’ since the devastating Super Cyclone in 1999. The state is now primarily concerned with enhancing its disaster management capabilities to effectively handle future crises. The Disaster Management department has undergone significant strengthening and implemented numerous measures to ensure swift rescue operations and timely dissemination of information during such emergencies since the Super Cyclone.