Bhubaneswar: Odisha will construct 800 additional cyclone shelters to strengthen disaster preparedness, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced on Thursday.
During his visit to New Delhi , Pujari met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and formally placed the demand, citing Odisha’s high vulnerability to natural calamities such as cyclones and floods. He presented seven booklets detailing the state’s disaster-related needs and sought enhanced central assistance.
The minister said the proposed cyclone shelters would be multi-purpose in design. They will be built near schools in disaster-prone regions, serving as safe havens for people during cyclones and floods while being used for school activities and community functions during normal times. “This will ensure the shelters remain functional and maintained rather than lying idle,” Pujari explained.
In addition, Pujari emphasized the need for modernizing early warning systems to minimize loss of life and property during natural disasters.
Highlighting the severe damage caused to the power sector during cyclones and floods, the minister proposed the introduction of underground power lines in flood-affected areas, estimating an initial cost of ₹7,500 crore. “We have requested the Centre’s support to implement this project, as prolonged power outages are a major challenge in post-disaster recovery,” he said.
The Union Home Minister has assured to examine the proposals, officials stated.
