Bhubaneswar: CM Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday directed the agriculture department to draw up a special contingency plan in view of a likely rainfall shortfall under El Niño conditions.Chairing a meeting of the state-level natural calamity committee at Lok Seva Bhavan, he stressed that all concerned departments must work in close coordination, adopting a “whole-of-govt approach to effectively mitigate the impact of El Niño”.Majhi reviewed the state’s preparedness for natural disasters and asserted that Odisha’s disaster management system must be further strengthened and kept “foolproof”.The meeting, attended by deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, and revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari, took a slew of decisions to reinforce the state’s response framework.A state-level mechanism is already monitoring rainfall, water levels, crop planning and input supply. With concerns of a global fertiliser shortage amid unrest in West Asia, district collectors have been asked to closely track the availability of urea and complex fertilisers and maintain adequate nano urea stocks. Panchayat-level committees have been formed to curb black marketing.Highlighting Odisha’s disaster management track record, Majhi said the state’s “zero casualty” approach has earned global recognition. He cited praise from member nations during the recent Brics Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group meeting in Puri.Reaffirming the govt’s commitment to farmers, the CM noted that unseasonal rain has been declared a state-specific disaster to enable support measures.As part of preparedness, the govt has allocated Rs 6 lakh each for the maintenance of 911 multipurpose cyclone and disaster shelters. Basic facilities, including drinking water, lighting and food, will be ensured in advance.Emergency response systems, including SMS alerts under the Common Alerting Protocol, 24×7 control rooms and the 112 helpline, are operational. Majhi stressed dissemination of accurate information through mobile phones, social media and television to prevent rumours during disasters.While 20 ODRAF teams and 347 fire stations are on standby, the process to raise 10 more ODRAF units is underway.The CM said strengthening disaster resilience requires coordinated efforts from all departments and public participation, with a focus on safeguarding lives and livelihoods.Pujari said Odisha has set a benchmark in disaster response through advanced planning and timely rescue operations, helping sustain the zero-casualty record. He also reviewed SDRF utilisation and said funds had been promptly released for relief and restoration during recent floods and cyclones.
