Bhubaneswar, Oct 4: The Odisha government has decided to prepare a comprehensive master plan to prevent human causalities due to landslides in hilly areas of the state, Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said here on Saturday.

Landslides: A New Challenge for Odisha

Traditionally associated with the northeastern states of India, landslides have recently begun affecting parts of Odisha, particularly the hilly terrains of Gajapati district. “Landslides have emerged as a new disaster in our state,” said Pujari. One fatality has been confirmed, while another death in the district is under investigation pending postmortem results.

Heavy rainfall triggered by a deep depression has caused widespread damage across Gajapati, Rayagada, Kalahandi, and parts of Ganjam. The government is mobilizing resources to assess the damage and provide compensation to affected families.

Relief, Recovery, and Infrastructure Planning

Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena personally oversaw relief and rescue operations for two days in the affected areas. District collectors have been instructed to submit detailed damage reports, which will guide the compensation process.

In addition to landslide mitigation, the government will identify low-lying roads prone to waterlogging and implement measures to ensure uninterrupted connectivity during monsoons.

Bhubaneswar to Get Modern Disaster Management Hub

To streamline emergency response, the state will construct a modern disaster management office in Bhubaneswar, integrating all related departments under one roof. “This integration will enable seamless coordination and quicker decision-making during emergencies,” Pujari noted. The government has sanctioned Rs 200 crore for the project, which is expected to be completed within two years.