Bhubaneswar: Describing June to October as a crucial period for Odisha amid likelihood of flood and cyclone, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday directed the authorities providing emergency services to remain alert always to tackle any form of disaster or exigencies.
Chairing the state-level Natural Calamity Committee Meeting, Naveen said Odisha is known to its exemplary preparedness and management of disasters for which it received Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Award for 2023 from the Union government.
“Odisha is prone to multiple and recurring disasters. Especially, it is more prone to floods and cyclones. Last year, 24 districts were affected by floods and heavy rain,” he said.
During the tragic train accident in Balasore, the state responded quickly, rescued the trapped passengers and shifted injured to hospitals through a green corridor mobilising hundreds of doctors and paramedics thereby saved thousands of lives, he said.
The Chief Minister further said June to October is a crucial period for the state during which drought, flood or cyclone may occur.
“We have to review our preparedness at all levels to tackle the possible flood and cyclones. And, also we should remain prepared for any other kind of exigencies. Adequate measures in respect of early warning systems, rescue and relief operations, supply of drinking water, and health and veterinary services must be put in place,” said Naveen.
ODRAF units and Fire Services should remain alert for immediate response at any place any time, he said, adding that control rooms in districts and departments should be functional round the clock. SATARK web and mobile app has been developed to disseminate real-time weather and disaster-related updates.
This should be a single-window platform to communicate location-based information on all disasters to citizens to save precious human lives, the CM said.
The Chief Minister directed the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare department to store sufficient food materials. Fisheries and ARD department will store adequate cattle feed in vulnerable and inaccessible areas. Provision for green fodder and opening of cattle camps during floods must be ensured, he said.
Naveen instructed district collectors to give special attention to vulnerable people like pregnant women, physically and mentally challenged, young children, widows and the elderly during rescue and relief operations.
The Chief Minister also emphasised on immediate clearance of relief lines, repair and restoration of lifeline infrastructure and restoration of livelihoods in the aftermath of disasters.
