Bhubaneswar: The ‘State Level Natural Disaster Committee Meeting-2026’ (SLNCC) was held at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Centre to ensure successful mitigation and pre-preparedness for upcoming natural disasters in the state. Chaired by Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, the meeting highlighted that Odisha has developed a completely ‘foolproof’ system in disaster management, and he emphasized maintaining this standard.
The high-level meeting, attended by Deputy Chief Minister Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Shri Suresh Pujari, led to several important decisions to further strengthen the state’s disaster management apparatus.
Due to the risk of low rainfall this year caused by the El Niño effect, the Chief Minister directed the Agriculture, Irrigation, and other related departments to work in coordination using a ‘Whole of Government’ approach so that Kharif crops are not affected. The Agriculture Department has been instructed to keep a special ‘Contingency Plan’ ready.
Through a state-level monitoring mechanism, rainfall, water levels, crop planning, and fertilizer and seed supply are being regularly supervised. As an unstable environment in the Middle East might lead to a global fertilizer shortage this year, district collectors have been asked to closely monitor urea and complex fertilizer supplies and maintain sufficient stocks of ‘Nano Urea’ where needed. To specifically stop the black marketing of fertilizers, an ‘Inspection Committee’ has been formed in every panchayat.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi shed light on Odisha’s efficient disaster management. Odisha’s successful ‘Zero Casualty’ policy is internationally acclaimed today. Shri Majhi informed that during the recent technical meeting of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group held in Puri, member nations highly praised the state’s long-term disaster mitigation and prevention system.
The state’s efficient management was evident during the recent cyclonic storm “Montha” that crossed the Odisha coast last October, as well as during the previous cyclone “Dana”. While 11 districts of the state were affected by “Montha”, timely government actions ensured the safe evacuation of around 38,000 people from vulnerable areas to shelter homes. The Chief Minister stated that 33 ODRAF teams, 5 NDRF teams, and 123 fire service units were deployed in this war-footing rescue operation to normalize conditions in record time.
The Chief Minister asserted that his government is always committed to protecting the interests of farmers. To assist farmers, the state government has declared ‘unseasonal rain’ as a ‘State-Specific Disaster’.
In terms of infrastructure readiness, Rs 6 lakh per shelter home has been provided to the district administrations for the annual maintenance of 911 multipurpose shelter homes across the state. Drinking water, lighting, and cooked food will be ensured at these locations right during the pre-preparedness phase. The SMS alert system through the national-level Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), 24-hour emergency control rooms, and the 112 helpline are fully active. To curb rumors during disasters, the Chief Minister specially advised providing accurate information to people on mobiles via television and social media. While 20 ODRAF teams and 347 fire stations are currently equipped with modern gear, the process of forming 10 new ODRAF teams is underway.
The Chief Minister concluded by saying that a joint effort by the government and the public is essential to maintain Odisha’s uniqueness in disaster management, and all departments will work with determination to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people of Odisha.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Shri Pujari pointed out how Odisha has set a unique example globally by successfully facing natural crises in the past. He highlighted the proper utilization of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) along with reviewing the financial grants and infrastructure needed for disaster management. He informed that during previous floods and cyclones, prompt relief worth crores of rupees and temporary repair assistance for public property were immediately provided to North Odisha and flash-flood-affected districts.
The MLAs and MPs present at the meeting offered crucial suggestions based on the ground realities of their respective constituencies. Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi and Revenue Minister Shri Suresh Pujari welcomed all valuable suggestions from the public representatives and promised that these would be properly integrated into the state’s disaster management plan.
The meeting was attended by cabinet members, MPs, MLAs, the Chief Secretary, the Development Commissioner, the Special Relief Commissioner, and other senior officials.