Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to seek financial and technical assistance to fortify the state’s disaster management infrastructure. Odisha, with its 480-km-long coastline, faces frequent cyclones and floods, causing significant loss of life and property. To address these challenges, Pujari submitted a detailed memorandum outlining five key demands aimed at making Odisha disaster-resilient.
The minister requested ₹2,000 crore for constructing 500 multi-purpose cyclone shelters to provide safe havens during natural calamities. Additionally, he sought ₹8,363 crore to develop disaster-resilient power infrastructure, crucial for maintaining essential services during emergencies. Another ₹200 crore was proposed for modernizing the state’s early warning dissemination system to ensure timely alerts to vulnerable communities.
Pujari also urged the inclusion of Odisha’s coastal erosion mitigation efforts in central government schemes, alongside financial and technical support through national and international collaborations. “Odisha’s long coastline makes it highly prone to natural disasters. These projects will protect lives, property, and ensure sustainable development in coastal areas,” Pujari emphasized in his memorandum.
In a post on X, Pujari wrote, “Met Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah ji at his Parliament office to present Odisha’s disaster management needs. Sought his support to strengthen our systems and take resilience to new heights.” The meeting is seen as a significant step toward enhancing Odisha’s preparedness for natural calamities, with hopes that the proposed projects will safeguard millions in the state’s vulnerable coastal regions.
