Puri: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today inaugurated the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRG) Technical Meeting in the holy city of Puri, reaffirming Odisha’s commitment to disaster resilience, climate adaptation and sustainable development while calling for enhanced international and inter-state cooperation to address the growing challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters.
Welcoming delegates, experts and representatives from BRICS nations, the Chief Minister described the gathering as a significant platform for advancing global disaster risk reduction efforts. He highlighted that the meeting’s theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” reflects the urgent priorities of the international community in safeguarding lives, livelihoods and future generations through greater cooperation.
Addressing the session, Majhi emphasized that disaster risk reduction is no longer a standalone sectoral concern but a cornerstone of sustainable development, economic stability and human security. He noted that climate change, rapid urbanisation and environmental degradation are increasing both the frequency and intensity of disasters across the world, demanding stronger preparedness and coordinated action.
Odisha’s Experience In Building Resilience
The Chief Minister highlighted Odisha’s globally acknowledged disaster management model, built on the guiding principle of “Zero Casualty.” He stated that the state has consistently strengthened its disaster preparedness architecture through evidence-based planning, advanced early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, institutional capacity building and inclusive governance mechanisms.
Referring to Odisha’s vulnerability to cyclones, heatwaves, lightning strikes, coastal erosion and emerging climate-induced urban risks, Shri Majhi stressed the need for continuous innovation and investment in resilience-building measures.
“Odisha’s journey demonstrates that preparedness, strong institutions and community participation can significantly reduce disaster impacts. However, future challenges will require even greater efforts, stronger partnerships and enhanced technological capabilities,” he said.
Alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vision
The Chief Minister acknowledged the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in placing disaster risk reduction at the centre of India’s development agenda. He noted that the Prime Minister’s Ten-Point Agenda for Disaster Risk Reduction provides a comprehensive framework focused on resilience, preparedness, technology adoption, risk-informed development and international cooperation.
Majhi stated that Odisha remains committed to translating this national vision into practical outcomes by strengthening disaster management systems, resilient infrastructure and community preparedness initiatives across the state.
Coastal Highway to Strengthen Disaster Preparedness
Highlighting the role of resilient infrastructure in disaster risk reduction, Majhi announced that the recently approved 160-kilometre Greenfield Coastal Highway from Rameswar to Paradeep via Konark, with an estimated investment of Rs 8,301 crore, will significantly strengthen Odisha’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
The project is expected to provide a robust alternative transportation corridor along Odisha’s cyclone-prone coastline, enabling faster mass evacuations during severe weather events, ensuring uninterrupted supply chains and facilitating rapid emergency response and relief operations.
The Chief Minister noted that the project complements other transformative infrastructure initiatives approved for Odisha, including:
- The Capital Region Ring Road (CRRR) project spanning 111 kilometres with an estimated investment of Rs. 8,307 crore.
- The Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradeep Economic Region (BCPPER) project, supported by NITI Aayog with Rs. 5,000 crore in central assistance.
He stated that these projects will contribute not only to economic growth but also to long-term disaster resilience and climate adaptation.
On behalf of the people of Odisha, Majhi expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Government for approving the Greenfield Coastal Highway project.
Describing it as a transformative initiative, he said the project reflects the Prime Minister’s unwavering commitment to Odisha’s development and resilience-building efforts while creating a stronger foundation for future economic and social progress.
Focus on Urban Resilience and Climate Adaptation
Majhi underlined the growing need to strengthen urban resilience in the face of rising temperatures, extreme weather events and rapid urban expansion. He advocated climate-sensitive urban planning, sustainable land-use policies and comprehensive heat action measures as essential components of future development strategies.
The Chief Minister also called for enhanced scientific interventions, public awareness campaigns and preventive measures to address increasing threats from heatwaves, lightning and coastal erosion.
BRICS Platform as a Catalyst for Global Action
The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of the BRICS platform in fostering collaboration among emerging economies on critical issues such as disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, resilient infrastructure and capacity building.
He urged participating nations and experts to move beyond discussions and convert deliberations into concrete partnerships and actionable outcomes that benefit vulnerable populations across the world.
“BRICS offers a unique opportunity to strengthen cooperation on early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, climate adaptation and institutional capacity building. The need of the hour is to transform dialogue into action,” he remarked.
Puri Deliberations Expected to Shape Future Global Frameworks
Expressing confidence in the outcomes of the meeting, Majhi said the “Puri Deliberations” have the potential to emerge as a landmark contribution to global disaster risk reduction efforts.
He described Odisha’s selection as the host of the BRICS DRRG Technical Meeting as recognition of the state’s achievements and expertise in disaster management.
“The framework that emerges from this historic gathering in Puri can illuminate the path toward global safety and redefine international cooperation in disaster risk reduction,” he said.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister invoked the blessings of Lord Jagannath and expressed hope that the deliberations would strengthen collective global resolve to create safer, more resilient and sustainable societies for future generations.
Speaking on the occasion, Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said that the learnings from the super cyclone of 1999 has helped us to enhance our disaster preparedness capabilities. Today Odisha has a globally recognized governance model in disaster management, he said.
Specifying the initiatives of the state, he said that apart from the robust infrastructure we have built including early warning systems, we have heavily invested on community response. Communities are the first responders in disaster situations and we have enhanced their capabilities with last mile information dissemination to respond quickly in such situations, he outlined specific initiatives taken up by the state.
Among others, Member & Head of Department, National Disaster Management Authority Krishna S. Vatsa, Member from NDMA Rita Missal also spoke.
