Odisha Govt to strengthen disaster management preparedness

BHUBANESWAR (PTI):

The Odisha government has decided to take disaster management preparedness to the next level by inducting hi-tech equipment, enhancing training and capacity building for which Rs 205 crore has been sanctioned for the purpose, a senior official said.

The decision was taken by the State Executive Committee meeting chaired by Chief Secretary A K Tripathy.

Tripathy stated that there is a need to upgrade the system because of the intensity and frequency of natural disasters hitting the state.

The chief secretary said that apart from natural calamities, the state must also prepare for industrial disasters.

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While speaking on the state's existing preparedness, Additional Chief Secretary and Special Relief Commissioner P K Jena said, "At present, the Odisha Fire Service is equipped to respond to natural disasters in the state and extend helping hand to other states. The new training and equipment would further sharpen their teeth to deal with different types of disasters."

The new equipment and accessories will help enhance the training capacity of the cell, he said, adding that the meeting also reviewed the progress regarding the repair and maintenance of multipurpose cyclone/flood centres (MCS/MFS) operating in different places. (PTI)