Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi called for greater international and inter-state cooperation to tackle climate change and natural disaster challenges at the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group technical meeting in Puri. According to reports from Business Standard, Majhi emphasized that disaster risk reduction has evolved beyond a sectoral concern and has become central to sustainable development, economic stability and human security. The chief minister stressed that increasing climate variability, rapid urbanization and environmental degradation are amplifying the frequency and intensity of disasters worldwide, making stronger preparedness, innovation and coordinated action imperative. Describing the gathering as an important platform for advancing global disaster resilience, Majhi said the meeting's theme, 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability', reflects the urgent need for nations to work collectively to safeguard lives, livelihoods and future generations. As per The Times of India, Majhi welcomed the delegates, noting that Odisha's selection as the venue for the prestigious gathering is a recognition of the state's remarkable achievements in disaster preparedness and risk reduction. He highlighted that the meeting's theme mirrors Odisha's own development philosophy and its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and livelihoods from natural calamities.
Majhi highlighted Odisha's internationally recognized disaster management framework and its 'zero casualty' principle approach. As reported by Business Standard, the state has built its preparedness architecture through evidence-based planning, advanced early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, institutional capacity building and inclusive governance mechanisms. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari emphasized that Odisha's disaster preparedness capabilities have undergone a remarkable transformation since the devastating Super Cyclone of 1999. The lessons learnt from that catastrophe helped the state build what is now regarded as a globally recognised governance model in disaster management. According to The Times of India, the Chief Minister noted that Odisha's journey has shown that with proactive planning, strong institutions and people-centric governance, the devastating impact of disasters can be significantly reduced. The state has continuously strengthened its disaster management ecosystem through evidence-based planning, technology-driven forecasting systems, capacity building and inclusive governance mechanisms, making it a model for disaster resilience not only in India but across the world. Pujari highlighted Odisha's extensive investments in disaster-resilient infrastructure and early warning systems, but stressed that community engagement remains at the heart of the state's strategy. "Communities are the first responders in disaster situations," he said, adding that the government has focused on strengthening local capacities and ensuring last-mile dissemination of information to enable timely responses during emergencies.
Majhi emphasized the importance of resilient infrastructure in disaster preparedness, highlighting several large-scale projects. According to Business Standard, the 160-km greenfield coastal highway connecting Rameswar, Konark and Paradip with an estimated investment of ₹8,301 crore would significantly strengthen Odisha's disaster response capabilities. The project, as reported by The Times of India, will serve as a critical lifeline along Odisha's cyclone-prone coastline by providing an alternative transportation corridor for rapid evacuation, seamless movement of essential supplies and faster deployment of emergency and relief services during natural disasters. Other major infrastructure initiatives include the 111-km Capital Region Ring Road project estimated at ₹8,307 crore and the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradip Economic Region project which has received ₹5,000 crore in central assistance through NITI Aayog. These projects are expected to accelerate economic growth while strengthening the state's long-term resilience to disasters and climate-related risks. The Chief Minister noted that while the state's experience has demonstrated that strong institutions, community participation and preparedness can substantially reduce disaster impacts, future challenges will require deeper partnerships and greater technological capabilities.
Beyond its economic significance, the infrastructure investments are expected to play a transformative role in strengthening the state's long-term disaster resilience and climate adaptation capabilities. Emphasising the need to build resilient urban centres, the Chief Minister advocated climate-responsive urban planning, sustainable land-use management and comprehensive heat action strategies to address the challenges arising from rapid urbanisation and rising temperatures. As reported by The Times of India, he observed that cities must be equipped to withstand future climate shocks while ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth. The Chief Minister cautioned that climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, creating new challenges for vulnerable regions such as Odisha. He stressed that disaster risk reduction can no longer be viewed as a standalone sector but must be integrated into broader development planning, economic growth and environmental sustainability. Referring to emerging climate-induced risks, including urban flooding, rising temperatures and coastal vulnerabilities, he called for greater investment in adaptation measures, resilient infrastructure and technological innovation. The state has consistently demonstrated its ability to minimise human loss through timely evacuations, robust early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, institutional preparedness and extensive community participation despite facing recurrent cyclones, floods, heatwaves, lightning strikes and coastal erosion.
The chief minister aligned Odisha's disaster management efforts with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for disaster resilience, noting the Prime Minister's 10-point agenda for disaster risk reduction has placed resilience, preparedness, technology adoption and risk-informed development at the centre of India's development strategy. The three-day BRICS meeting brought together senior officials and disaster management experts from all 11 BRICS member and partner countries - Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates - to strengthen cooperation in disaster risk reduction and climate resilience. Majhi advocated climate-sensitive urban planning, sustainable land-use practices and comprehensive heat action plans as essential elements of future development. He called for enhanced scientific interventions, public awareness campaigns and preventive measures to address increasing threats from heatwaves, lightning strikes and coastal erosion. The Chief Minister highlighted the growing relevance of the BRICS platform in promoting cooperation among emerging economies on issues such as disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, resilient infrastructure and institutional capacity building. He called for deeper collaboration in the areas of early warning systems, disaster forecasting technologies, knowledge sharing and community-based resilience initiatives. As per The Times of India, Majhi expressed confidence in the deliberations being held in Puri, saying the outcomes of the meeting have the potential to shape future global approaches to disaster risk reduction and climate resilience. He added that the 'Puri Deliberations' could emerge as a landmark contribution to international efforts aimed at building disaster-resilient societies, while further reinforcing Odisha's position as a recognised leader in disaster preparedness and risk management.
