CM Mohan Majhi says disaster risk reduction has become a cornerstone of sustainable development
By Kambu Dhar Kheti
Bhubaneswar, June 4: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday inaugurated the technical session of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Group (DRRG) meeting in Puri, highlighting Odisha’s globally acclaimed disaster management model and calling for stronger international cooperation to address growing climate and disaster-related challenges.
Addressing delegates, experts and representatives from BRICS member nations, the Chief Minister said the Puri conclave could play a significant role in shaping a global framework for disaster risk reduction and resilience.
Welcoming the participants, Majhi described the conference as an important platform for advancing global efforts towards disaster risk reduction. He stressed that the theme of the meeting—”Preparedness for resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainable development in disaster management”—holds particular relevance at a time when climate change, rapid urbanisation and environmental degradation are increasing the frequency and intensity of disasters worldwide.
“Disaster risk reduction is no longer a standalone concern. It has become a cornerstone of sustainable development, economic stability and security,” he said, emphasising the need for coordinated action and enhanced preparedness.
The Chief Minister showcased Odisha’s internationally recognised disaster management model, which is built around the principle of “zero casualty”. He said the state has continuously strengthened its preparedness through evidence-based planning, advanced early warning systems, disaster-resilient infrastructure, institutional capacity building and inclusive governance.
Referring to Odisha’s vulnerability to cyclones, heatwaves, lightning, coastal erosion and climate-induced urban risks, Majhi underlined the importance of sustained innovation and resilience-building measures. He noted that proactive preparedness, strong institutions and community participation have significantly reduced disaster impacts in the state.
Highlighting the role of resilient infrastructure in disaster preparedness, the Chief Minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for approving the proposed 160-km greenfield coastal highway from Rameswar to Paradip at an estimated cost of Rs 8,301 crore.
He said the coastal corridor would strengthen Odisha’s disaster response capabilities by providing an alternative transport route along the cyclone-prone coastline, facilitating faster evacuation, ensuring uninterrupted supply chains and improving emergency response and relief operations during disasters.
Majhi also referred to other major infrastructure initiatives approved for Odisha, including the 111-km Capital Region Ring Road project and the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradip Economic Region project. He said these projects would not only drive economic growth but also enhance long-term disaster resilience and climate adaptation.
The Chief Minister praised Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in placing disaster risk reduction at the centre of India’s development agenda and referred to his 10-point action plan for disaster risk reduction as a comprehensive framework focused on resilience, preparedness, technology, risk-informed development and international cooperation.
Calling for stronger collaboration among developing economies, Majhi highlighted the importance of the BRICS platform in promoting cooperation on early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, climate adaptation and institutional capacity building. He urged participating countries to translate discussions into actionable partnerships that would benefit vulnerable populations across the globe.
Expressing confidence in the outcome of the meeting, he said the “Puri Session” has the potential to emerge as a landmark contribution to global disaster risk reduction efforts and reinforce international cooperation in the field.
Revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari said Odisha’s experience during the devastating 1999 Super Cyclone helped the state build one of the world’s most respected disaster management systems. He emphasized the importance of community-based response mechanisms and robust early warning systems that ensure timely dissemination of information to vulnerable populations.
