Following the tragic Gidipabali landslide, the Odisha government has unveiled a broad strategy to relocate communities residing in vulnerable hilltop and foothill settlements to prevent future disasters.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced that a comprehensive survey is underway to map out high-risk habitats, with a primary focus on landslide-prone districts such as Kandhamala and Gajapati.
Officials recently conducted field visits to northeastern states to study established disaster mitigation practices for hilly regions. Once vulnerable settlements are identified, the state will construct new habitations and rehouse affected families through government welfare schemes.
Surviving residents of the Gidipabali disaster have formally requested land in safer locations, which the government has committed to providing. Addressing ongoing site operations, Minister Pujari affirmed that rescue efforts remain active despite severe challenges caused by nearly 25 to 30 feet of accumulated debris.
Five days of rescue operations involving chain-pulling equipment and life-detection units have faced immense hurdles due to massive boulders and unstable terrain.
