Bhubaneswar: Affirming its resolve to ensure zero casualty during natural disasters, the BJP government in Odisha on Thursday announced a slew of measures, including a Rs 200 crore proposal to control urban flooding with the assistance of IIT Delhi.
Several measures to deal with calamities were discussed at the natural disaster management committee meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mohan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.
Official sources said that the government has decided to increase the number of Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) units in the state from 20 to 30. The Home Department has been asked to ensure ODRAF works as a dedicated force.
The government is also planning to set up at least five regional Fire Services hubs to manage sudden mishaps like the Bahanaga teiple-train tragedy.
Steps to manage the possible flood situations during the rainy season were also discussed in the meeting. Detailed discussion was held with Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Satyabrata Sahu regarding the preparedness to deal with the possible flood situation.
Added emphasis was laid on controlling artificial flooding during torrential rainfall in urban areas. A proposal has been given to earmark Rs 200 crore for the purpose. IIT Delhi will provide the required technological help to manage artificial flooding in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. The institute has been given the responsibility to prepare a long-term planning in this regard and submit it before the government, the sources said.
The 24×7 control rooms set up in the state, district and sub-division levels meant to inform people regarding flood-related news will be upgraded into smart control rooms. The Health Department has been directed to stock ample anti-snake venoms in hospitals across the State to deal with snake bite incidents
“A project with an estimated cost of Rs 200 crore will be prepared to control artificial flooding in urban areas. We rely on ODRAF during natural disasters and they have done a commendable job in the past. The government has decided to increase the number of ODRAF units in the State from 20 to 30,” the Chief Minister said.
Speaking on the occasion, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said that many more proposals have come on micro planning on how to deal with possible natural disasters.