Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government’s State Executive Committee (SEC) on Disaster Management has approved a Rs 222.2 crore project to tackle urban flooding and waterlogging in Bhubaneswar, alongside a Rs 1.77 crore proposal for heatwave mitigation in Bhubaneswar and Kataka.
The first SEC meeting for 2026‑27, chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg at Lok Seva Bhavan, cleared the NDMA‑supported urban flood mitigation project with Rs 200 crore as the Centre’s share and Rs 22.2 crore from the State. The plan includes strengthening stormwater drainage, integrated lake restoration, rainwater harvesting, water security measures, early warning systems, flood risk assessment, and capacity building.
For heatwave mitigation, the committee approved measures such as multi‑purpose rest shelters, vetiver cooling mats at bus stops, reflective roof painting, vetiver roof shading, and drinking water facilities at key locations.
The SEC also reviewed disaster management finances, noting allocations of Rs 979.18 crore under SDRF and Rs 429 crore under SDMF, with overall provisions of around Rs 2,147 crore. Expenditure of Rs 1,064.48 crore has already been incurred this year, with utilisation certificates received for 92.93% of funds released.
Additional approvals included proposals for forest fire risk mitigation, strengthening ODRAF and Fire Services communication systems, procuring HF/VHF equipment, VSAT terminals, and satellite phones. The committee also sanctioned the formation of village‑level volunteer task forces in 3,000 non‑cyclone shelters, trained in early warning dissemination, rescue, first aid, relief management, and psycho‑social support.
The Chief Secretary directed departments to ensure timely implementation, transparent fund utilisation, and technology‑driven monitoring to make Odisha’s disaster management system more resilient.