Bhubaneswar: The inter-ministerial Central team met Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday after visiting different districts which were recently affected by cyclone Dana.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister placed a proposal for the setting up of a modern disaster management centre in Bhubaneswar and sought the Centre’s assistance and support in this regard.
The seven-member team, which visited the cyclone affected areas to assess the extent of damage caused by Dana, held discussion with the CM and senior officials.
The team, led by Joint Secretary P K Ray of the Ministry of Home Affairs, arrived in Bhubaneswar on November 24 and then visited the severely affected districts of Bhadrak, Kendrapada, and Balasore to assess the damage.
During the discussion, the Chief Minister emphasised the need for assistance in restoring damaged structures and developing disaster resilient infrastructure in the state.
Majhi ointed out that Odisha faces various natural disasters annually, resulting in extensive damage to infrastructure.
The Chief Minister highlighted the state’s efforts to lay underground power cables in coastal districts, build coastal embankments, and undertake large-scale forestation.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari noted that creating sustainable infrastructure can accelerate Odisha’s economic development.
Head of the Central team, P K Ray, commended the state government for its successful management of cyclone Dana.
During its visit to the affected areas, the Central team evaluated the damage caused to agriculture, fish farming, houses, roads, and other infrastructure due to the cyclone that hit the Odisha coast on October 25. The team also interacted with villagers impacted by the storm.