Bhubaneswar: Odisha is moving to upgrade its disaster management network with advanced technology in response to changing weather patterns and climate, revenue minister Suresh Pujari said during a high-level review meeting on Thursday.Officials said 122 early warning towers have been installed along the state’s 573-km coastline. These facilities will be upgraded with 360-degree surveillance cameras. Senior officials of the department have also visited Goa and Kerala to study advanced warning systems and disaster management practices adopted there.The state is working to improve the efficiency of the towers by using satellite-based telecommunication systems. Plans are also underway to connect all 314 blocks with the central control room through modern high-speed communication technologies.Pujari said the Doppler Weather Radar in Sambalpur is already operational, while proposed radar systems in Balasore and Bhubaneswar are expected to be commissioned soon. Repair and modernisation of the existing Doppler radars at Gopalpur and Paradip are also in progress. A new Doppler Weather Radar will also be set up in Puri.The minister said the network, once fully operational, will improve the accuracy of weather forecasting and strengthen Odisha’s disaster preparedness and response system.The meeting also discussed the use of modern technology to tackle urban waterlogging triggered by heavy rainfall. Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation has started work on the issue in collaboration with IIT Roorkee.Pujari asked officials to speed up the construction of multipurpose cyclone and flood shelters across the state. He also stressed the need for faster adoption of technology-driven systems to improve disaster response.The meeting also reviewed the recent flood situation and decided to improve reservoir management, water conservation, river water allocation and drainage systems. Officials informed the meeting that post-flood damage assessment is being conducted on a priority basis. The state govt has released Rs 110 crore in assistance to 22 flood-hit districts. Balasore has received Rs 22.03 crore, while Jajpur and Bhadrak have been allotted Rs 20 crore each.On lightning-related deaths, Pujari said the govt has sanctioned Rs 35 crore to forest department for planting palm trees in agricultural fields as part of a mitigation strategy. Odisha recorded 65% more rainfall in July this year compared to the same month in 2025, the minister added. Some areas received rainfall up to 97% above normal level.
