BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Meeting Opens In Puri

Puri (Odisha): Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday opened the technical session of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Group (DRRG) meeting in Puri, highlighting Odisha’s globally recognized disaster management model and calling for stronger international cooperation to tackle growing climate and disaster-related challenges.

Addressing delegates, experts and representatives from BRICS member countries, Majhi said that the Puri meeting could play an important role in shaping a global framework for disaster risk reduction and resilience. He described the conference as an important platform to advance global efforts in disaster management, noting that the theme “Resilience, innovation, cooperation and preparedness for sustainable development in disaster management” is particularly important as climate change, rapid urbanization and environmental degradation continue to increase the frequency and intensity of disasters worldwide.

“Disaster risk reduction is no longer a stand-alone issue. It has become the cornerstone of sustainable development, economic stability and security,” he said.

The Prime Minister showcased Odisha’s internationally recognized disaster management model, built around the principle of “zero casualties”. He said the state was strengthening its preparedness through evidence-based planning, advanced early warning systems, disaster resilient infrastructure, institutional capacity building and inclusive management.

Touching on Odisha’s vulnerability to cyclones, heatwaves, lightning, coastal erosion and climate-induced urban risks, Majhi emphasized the need for continuous innovation and resilience-enhancing measures. He noted that proactive preparedness, strong institutions and community participation have significantly reduced disaster impacts in the state.

Highlighting the role of resilient infrastructure, the Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for approving the proposed 160 km greenfield coastal highway from Rameswar to Paradip at an estimated cost of Rs 8.301 billion. He said the project will strengthen Odisha’s disaster response capabilities by facilitating faster evacuation, ensuring uninterrupted supply chains and enhancing emergency relief operations during disasters.

Majhi also touched on other major infrastructure projects, including the Capital Region Ring Road and the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradip Economic Zone project, saying these will contribute to both economic growth and long-term disaster resilience.

Calling for stronger cooperation among developing economies, he emphasized the importance of the BRICS platform in promoting cooperation on early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, climate adaptation and institutional capacity building. Expressing confidence in the outcome of the meeting, he said the “Puri Session” could emerge as a significant contribution to global disaster risk reduction efforts.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said Odisha’s experience during the 1999 Super Cyclone helped the state create one of the world’s most respected disaster management systems, with a strong focus on community-based response mechanisms and robust early warning systems.