Bhubaneswar, Jul 3: Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari chaired a high‑level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on Friday to review disaster preparedness in the state’s urban and coastal regions. The discussions focused on urban flood management, tsunami readiness, and landslide mitigation, officials said.

Urban Flood Management

The meeting reviewed the MoU signed between Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and IIT Roorkee for developing a comprehensive drainage plan. A detailed project report was presented, with proposals to initially cover 10 urban centres. Funds from the disaster management pool will be allocated to improve stormwater drainage and prevent waterlogging. The Minister stressed the need for systematic rainwater evacuation in Bhubaneswar and other cities.

Tsunami Preparedness

Officials highlighted that 381 coastal villages have been identified as tsunami‑prone, with 26 already recognised as “Tsunami‑Ready Villages” by IOC‑UNESCO. Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) has partnered with INCOIS, Hyderabad, to modernise early warning systems. The minister emphasised strengthening rapid alert mechanisms to safeguard vulnerable communities.

Landslide Mitigation

With recent landslides reported in Gajapati district, the state is developing a landslide management framework based on models from the northeastern states. Surveys are underway, and consultations with national and international experts are in progress. Preventive measures for coastal erosion and disaster‑resilient housing in cyclone‑prone areas were also discussed.

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Inclusive Preparedness

The Minister underlined the importance of community awareness and technical planning to enhance resilience. Senior officials from the Revenue Department, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, OSDMA, and representatives from IIT Roorkee and INCOIS joined the deliberations, reaffirming Odisha’s commitment to proactive disaster management.