THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
PURI, JUNE 4,
2026
Declaring that stronger preparedness,
climate resilience and global cooperation are essential to tackle the growing
threat of disasters, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday
inaugurated the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRG) Technical
Meeting in Puri and highlighted the state's globally acclaimed “Zero Casualty”
model as a benchmark for disaster management.
Welcoming delegates from BRICS
nations, Majhi said disaster risk reduction lies at the heart of sustainable
development and human security. He noted that Odisha’s internationally
recognised disaster management framework has been built on advanced early
warning systems, resilient infrastructure and active community participation,
enabling the state to effectively mitigate the impact of natural calamities.
The Chief Minister observed that
climate change, rapid urbanisation and environmental degradation are
intensifying disasters across the world, making preparedness and coordinated
action more critical than ever. He stressed the need for enhanced global and
inter-state collaboration to address emerging challenges and strengthen
resilience against future risks.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra
Modi’s Ten-Point Agenda for Disaster Risk Reduction, Majhi said Odisha remains
committed to translating the vision into meaningful action on the ground. He
also highlighted the recently approved 160-kilometre Greenfield Coastal Highway
from Rameswar to Paradeep, stating that the project would significantly
strengthen disaster preparedness by facilitating faster evacuations and
ensuring uninterrupted supply chains during extreme weather events.
Emphasising the growing importance of
urban resilience, the Chief Minister advocated climate-sensitive planning and
proactive measures to combat heatwaves, lightning strikes and coastal erosion.
He urged BRICS nations to transform discussions into actionable partnerships,
expressing confidence that the “Puri Deliberations” could contribute to shaping
future global frameworks for disaster risk reduction.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said Odisha’s hard-earned lessons from the devastating 1999 Super Cyclone have helped the state develop a globally recognised governance model for disaster management. He underscored the vital role of community participation and response mechanisms in strengthening preparedness and reducing disaster-related risks.
The BRICS DRRG Technical Meeting has brought together experts, policymakers and disaster management professionals from member nations to exchange knowledge, share best practices and explore collaborative approaches for building resilient communities in an increasingly climate-vulnerable world.
