Suresh Pujari Assures Cyclone Preparedness, Counters Opposition on Kotia

Bhubaneswar, Oct 25: Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has assured that the state is fully prepared to tackle the possible impact of the developing cyclone over the Bay of Bengal.

Based on the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) latest bulletin at 8:30 AM on Sunday, 2026, the depression over the east‑central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a deep depression today, a cyclonic storm by October 26, a severe cyclonic storm by October 27, and a very severe cyclonic storm by October 28.

The system is likely to move northwestwards and cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by forenoon of October 28, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 115-125 kmph gusting to 140 kmph. An orange cyclone alert has been issued for Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts.

Also read: Cyclone Arnab Likely to Hit Andhra Coast on October 28 as Bay of Bengal Storm Intensifies

Minister Pujari stated that the Odisha government has already initiated preparedness measures. Experienced officers are being deployed to five districts on Sunday to assist district collectors with full authority to take necessary decisions. Senior ministers will also reach vulnerable districts to oversee arrangements.

Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, and Koraput districts have been placed under Level‑2 preparedness.

Alternative arrangements for heavy rainfall and waterlogging are being made, and the minister urged citizens not to panic, assuring that all measures are in place.

On the Kotia border issue, Pujari strongly countered opposition criticism, emphasizing that the matter is not political but a symbol of Odisha’s identity.

He highlighted that all‑party committees have been formed at block and district levels, including opposition MLAs, to collectively resist Andhra Pradesh’s attempts to establish polling stations in disputed areas.

He reiterated that Odisha will present its case before the court to maintain status quo, noting that while the state lost earlier petitions in 1968, 2006, and 2007, the government remains determined to protect its territorial integrity.