Bhubaneswar: In a move to strengthen disaster preparedness, the Odisha government has decided to install new weather radars at three strategic locations for real-time weather monitoring.
This announcement was made by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Thursday.
The decision was taken during the state-level Natural Disaster Committee meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday evening.
“As Odisha remains vulnerable to natural calamities such as cyclones, the state requires modern equipment and skilled personnel. To enhance weather forecasting accuracy, two Doppler radars will be installed in Sambalpur and Balasore. Additionally, a modern radar will be set up in Bhubaneswar, where 24-hour emergency control rooms have been operational at the district level,” said Minister Pujari.
He further stated that these control rooms serve as crucial hubs for receiving weather updates, which help in timely planning and mitigation of disasters.
“We can now promptly disseminate weather alerts and raise public awareness,” he added.
In response to multiple lightning-related fatalities in the state, the government has initiated measures including the plantation of palm trees, which act as natural barriers against lightning, with support from the Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Department.
The minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to develop disaster-resilient infrastructure aimed at reducing the impact of floods and cyclones.
“Odisha currently has 909 multi-purpose shelters across 25 districts, providing temporary accommodation during emergencies,” he noted.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, addressing the meeting attended by ministers, MPs, and MLAs, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting citizens during disasters.
“Between June and October, Odisha faces high risks of floods and cyclones. While natural disasters are inevitable, their impact can be minimised through robust preparedness and interdepartmental coordination,” he said.
Majhi emphasized the need to prevent human and livestock losses during calamities and praised officials for their effective response to a flood and cyclone earlier this year.
The Chief Minister concluded by urging rescue teams to remain vigilant and stressed that effective coordination among departments is vital for disaster management.
