Puri: Positioning Odisha as a blueprint for global climate adaptation, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Thursday inaugurated the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRG) Technical Meeting in the holy city of Puri.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Majhi delivered a decisive message to the international community: disaster risk reduction is no longer just a localised sectoral concern, but the foundational cornerstone of modern sustainable development and global human security. He called for enhanced international and inter-state cooperation to address the growing challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters.
Welcoming delegates and experts from BRICS nations, Majhi hailed the forum as a critical platform for global action. “The meeting’s theme, ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability, reflects the urgent priorities of the international community in safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and future generations through greater collaboration,” he noted.
Odisha’s Experience in Building Resilience
The Chief Minister highlighted Odisha’s globally acknowledged disaster management model, built on the guiding principle of “Zero Casualty”. He stated that the state has consistently strengthened its disaster preparedness architecture through evidence-based planning, advanced early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, institutional capacity building and inclusive governance mechanisms.
Referring to Odisha’s vulnerability to cyclones, heatwaves, lightning strikes, coastal erosion and emerging climate-induced urban risks, Majhi stressed the need for continuous innovation and investment in resilience-building measures. “Odisha’s journey proves that preparedness, robust institutions, and community participation can dramatically mitigate disaster impacts. However, future challenges demand even greater efforts, deeper partnerships, and advanced technological capabilities,” he said.
Alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vision
The Chief Minister acknowledged the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in placing disaster risk reduction at the centre of India’s development agenda. He noted that the Prime Minister’
s 10-point agenda for disaster risk reduction provides a comprehensive framework focused on resilience, preparedness, technology adoption, risk-informed development and international cooperation.
Majhi stated that Odisha remains committed to translating this national vision into practical outcomes by strengthening disaster management systems, resilient infrastructure and community preparedness initiatives across the state.
Coastal Highway to Strengthen Disaster Preparedness
Highlighting the role of resilient infrastructure in disaster risk reduction, Majhi announced that the recently approved 160-km Greenfield Coastal Highway from Rameswar to Paradipp via Konark, with an estimated investment of Rs. 8,301 crore, will significantly strengthen Odisha’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
“The project is expected to provide a robust alternative transportation corridor along Odisha’s cyclone-prone coastline, enabling faster mass evacuations during severe weather events, ensuring uninterrupted supply chains and facilitating rapid emergency response and relief operations,” he said.
Puri Deliberations Expected to Shape Future Global Frameworks
Expressing confidence in the outcomes of the meeting, Majhi said the “Puri Deliberations” have the potential to emerge as a landmark contribution to global disaster risk reduction efforts.
He described Odisha’s selection as the host of the BRICS DRRG Technical Meeting as recognition of the state’s achievements and expertise in disaster management. “The framework that emerges from this historic gathering in Puri can illuminate the path toward global safety and redefine international cooperation in disaster risk reduction,” he said.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister invoked the blessings of Lord Jagannath and expressed hope that the deliberations would strengthen collective global resolve to create safer, more resilient and sustainable societies for future generations.
Speaking on the occasion, Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said that the learnings from the super cyclone of 1999 has helped the state to enhance disaster preparedness capabilities. “Today Odisha has a globally recognised governance model in disaster management,” he said.
Specifying the initiatives of the state, he added: “Apart from the robust infrastructure, we have built including early warning systems, we have heavily invested on community response. Communities are the first responders in disaster situations and we have enhanced their capabilities with last mile information dissemination to respond quickly in such situations, he outlined specific initiatives taken up by the state.”