In a proactive show of strength against nature’s fury, Odisha’s Chief Secretary Anu Garg chaired a crucial pre-cyclone exercise meeting today, reinforcing the state’s legendary “Zero Casualty” approach to disaster management.
The high-level meeting brought together top officials, including Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary D.K. Singh, Special Relief Commissioner & OSDMA MD Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, DG Fire Services Dr S. Sarangi, Director of IMD Dr Manorama Mohanty, senior ODRAF officers, and secretaries from key departments.
Welcoming the gathering, SRC Patil underscored Odisha’s unique vulnerability as a coastal state along the Bay of Bengal. With climate change making cyclones more frequent and unpredictable, he reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding every life through meticulous preparedness, seamless coordination, and timely early warnings.
IMD Director Dr Manorama Mohanty provided a reassuring update: there is currently no cyclonic threat to the Odisha coast. However, she urged the administration to maintain full alertness at all levels.
The ADG (Law & Order) informed the meeting that 30 ODRAF teams stand ready for immediate deployment in search and rescue operations.
Departments reviewed their readiness across critical areas: reservoir management, road and power restoration, safe drinking water supply, medicine and cattle feed stocking, shelter preparedness, control room activation, and strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs). Special focus was placed on disseminating warnings to fishermen and ensuring inter-departmental synergy.
Development Commissioner D.K. Singh directed all departments to immediately review preparedness with field-level officers and follow IMD forecasts meticulously.
Concluding the meeting, Chief Secretary Garg struck a note of cautious vigilance: “We must not be complacent. Odisha’s hard-earned reputation in disaster preparedness must be upheld through timely action, strict protocol adherence, and swift information flow during emergencies.”
Odisha’s consistent success in minimising cyclone-related casualties has earned global acclaim. Today’s meeting once again demonstrates the state’s resolve to stay ahead of the curve as the cyclone season approaches.
