With an impending cyclonic storm projected to make landfall between North Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha, the Odisha government has activated its highest level of disaster management machinery.
On Saturday, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a crucial high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan to evaluate the state’s preparedness and ensure foolproof safety measures.
Emphasising that saving every single life is the primary objective of his administration, the Chief Minister declared “Zero Casualty” as the core mantra for managing the disaster.
Key Directives and Administrative Action Plan
Addressing the media after the meeting, Chief Minister Majhi assured the public that the government is fully equipped to tackle the situation. Several critical decisions were announced during the review:
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School Closures: Schools in affected and vulnerable districts will remain closed on October 28 and 29. District collectors have been empowered to take localised decisions based on evolving ground conditions.
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Evacuation & Shelter Management: All cyclone shelters across coastal districts have been fully prepared. Priority evacuation is mandated for low-lying areas, pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and persons with disabilities to ensure they are moved to safe shelters stocked with adequate drinking water, dry and cooked food, generators, and medicines.
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Deployment of Rescue Teams: National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and Fire Service units are being pre-positioned in high-risk districts (including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, and Koraput) equipped with tree-cutters and necessary gear for immediate rescue and road-clearing operations.
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Essential Services & Health Infrastructure: Strict instructions have been issued to maintain uninterrupted power, telecommunication, and water supply. Hospitals have been placed on high alert with backup generators and oxygen supplies to prevent any disruption in healthcare services.
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Agricultural Advisory: The Agriculture Department has been directed to actively guide farmers in harvesting ripe crops and safeguarding agricultural produce ahead of the severe weather.
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24×7 Control Rooms: State and district-level control rooms will operate around the clock, monitored directly by Chief Secretary Anu Garg and Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Rajesh Prabhakar Patil.
High-Level Attendance
The review meeting was attended by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, SRC Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, Additional Chief Secretary of Agriculture Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, along with key principal secretaries from Health, Panchayati Raj, Energy, Home (Police), and Water Resources departments.
Public Appeal
Reassuring the citizens of the state, Chief Minister Majhi urged people not to panic or fall prey to rumours. He emphasised that the government has undertaken comprehensive preparations and appealed to all citizens to stay alert, cooperate with local authorities, and strictly follow official advisories.
