Bhubaneswar: In view of the possible formation of a low-pressure area in the South Bay of Bengal and in the likelihood of it subsequently developing into a cyclone, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday held a high-level meeting.
Chairing the high-level meeting, the Chief Minister said that possible summer cyclones are complex things. Reminding about Cyclone Fani, the CM ordered the administration to remain prepared in advance.
Patnaik stated that gauging summer cyclones is a very complex thing. In 2019 Cyclone Fani had come suddenly and caused extensive damage. For us every life is precious. So, therefore, we have to remain prepared in advance, he added.
In addition to all departments of the State government, he advised NDRF, ODRAF, Fire Service, etc to remain prepared in advance. He further advised officials to shift people living in vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas to cyclone shelters wherever needed.
He asked officials to keep all essential machines and tools in preparedness. He further advised to prepare plans in advance for rescue and rehabilitation.
The Chief Minister directed the Chief Secretary to regularly review the possible cyclone situation and asked the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) to keep closely monitor the situation work will all departments in a coordinated manner.
Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena said that among all the cyclones, the impact of summer cyclones is very high. For the past few years, we have been successful in adopting the Zero Casualty policy in the state, he added.
Jena informed that reviews are being conducted on a regular basis and the department concerned have been asked to remain prepared. Collectors have been directed to remain prepared. Around 1,000 cyclone centres are in readiness and other schools and secured shelters have been identified, Jena added.
Special Relief Commissioner Satyabrat Sahu informed that following discussions with Collectors of 18 districts Control Rooms have been readied. Cyclone Shelters are being made functional. As many as 17 NDRF and 20 ODRAF teams have been kept in readiness, he added.
DG Police Sunil Bansal, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Rural Development and Energy Secretary Sanjay Singh, and Agriculture Secretary Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee informed the Chief Minister about the preparedness of their departments.
Secretary to CM (5T) VK Pandian moderated the meeting.
