Bhubaneswar, June 4 (IANS) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday inaugurated the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRG) Technical Meeting in the holy city of Puri, calling for enhanced international and inter-state cooperation to address the growing challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters.

Welcoming delegates, experts and representatives from BRICS nations, the Chief Minister described the gathering as a significant platform for advancing global disaster risk reduction efforts.

He highlighted that the meeting’s theme, ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability’, reflects the urgent priorities of the international community in safeguarding lives, livelihoods and future generations through greater cooperation.

Addressing the session, CM Majhi emphasised that disaster risk reduction is no longer a standalone sectoral concern but a cornerstone of sustainable development, economic stability and human security. He noted that climate change, rapid urbanisation and environmental degradation are increasing both the frequency and intensity of disasters across the world, demanding stronger preparedness and coordinated action.

He further highlighted Odisha’s globally acknowledged disaster management model, built on the guiding principle of “Zero Casualty”.

CM Majhi stated that the state has consistently strengthened its disaster preparedness architecture through evidence-based planning, advanced early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, institutional capacity building and inclusive governance mechanisms.

Referring to Odisha’s vulnerability to cyclones, heatwaves, lightning strikes, coastal erosion and emerging climate-induced urban risks, the Chief Minister stressed the need for continuous innovation and investment in resilience-building measures.

“Odisha’s journey demonstrates that preparedness, strong institutions and community participation can significantly reduce disaster impacts. However, future challenges will require even greater efforts, stronger partnerships and enhanced technological capabilities,” CM Majhi said.

He stressed the need for climate-resilient urban planning, sustainable land use and robust heat action measures to strengthen urban resilience against rising temperatures, extreme weather events and rapid urbanisation.

The Chief Minister also called for enhanced scientific interventions, public awareness campaigns and preventive measures to address increasing threats from heatwaves, lightning and coastal erosion.

The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of the BRICS platform in fostering collaboration among emerging economies on critical issues such as disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, resilient infrastructure and capacity building.

He urged participating nations and experts to move beyond discussions and convert deliberations into concrete partnerships and actionable outcomes that benefit vulnerable populations across the world.

“BRICS offers a unique opportunity to strengthen cooperation on early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, climate adaptation and institutional capacity building. The need of the hour is to transform dialogue into action,” he remarked.

Expressing confidence in the outcomes of the meeting, CM Majhi said the “Puri Deliberations” have the potential to emerge as a landmark contribution to global disaster risk reduction efforts.

“The framework that emerges from this historic gathering in Puri can illuminate the path towards global safety and redefine international cooperation in disaster risk reduction,” he said. Notably, the BRICS Technical Meeting of the ‘Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group’ is being held in Puri from June 3 to 5.

–IANS

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