CM Naveen proposes Int’l Centre for Disaster Mitigation & Recovery in Odisha

Nation Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday proposed the United Nations (UN) for setting up of an International Centre for Disaster Mitigation and Recovery in Odisha.

The officials visited the State to take stock of the damages caused by cyclone Fani that hit Odisha on May 3 and the relief and restoration works in the aftermath.

The Chief Minister assured all possible support to the UN for establishment of the proposed institute.

“The centre will help build upon the State’s expertise in disaster mitigation and develop best practices for usage across the world,” said Patnaik.

Speaking to officials of the UN, World Bank and Asian Development Bank and other international organisations led by Department of Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Finance in a meeting at the State Secretariat, post cyclone Fani, Patnaik emphasized disaster proofing of energy infra, resilient communication networks and restoration of livelihoods.

Cyclone Fani claimed total 64 lives including 39 in worst affected Puri district.

Laying stress on disaster proofing of energy infrastructure, development of resilient communication network and restoration of livelihoods, Patnaik urged the team to assist the same by modifying its existing programmes in Odisha to incorporate some of these activities.

The UN team lauded Odisha Government for its expedited efforts towards evacuating people to safety ahead of Cyclone Fani saving many precious lives.

Under the Odisha Disaster Recovery Project, an initiative launched with funding support from the World Bank, the Odisha Government has constructed over 17,000 disaster-resilient houses in cyclone-prone Ganjam, Puri and Khurda districts.

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