Bhubaneswar, Aug 6 (IANS) Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management (R&DM) Minister Suresh Pujari on Thursday said the state government has prepared a blueprint to upgrade the early warning system to ensure timely alerts and enhance disaster preparedness.

Speaking to media persons after a high-level review meeting chaired by him here, Pujari said Odisha currently has 122 early warning systems installed along the coastline, covering around 573 kilometres since 2017. This includes 40 large towers equipped with siren systems and facilities to announce weather updates.

The existing system is being replaced with advanced technology to provide faster and more effective alerts about impending disasters. Senior departmental officials have visited Goa and Kerala to study their advanced systems and best practices. These towers will be modernised with 360-degree surveillance cameras.

The state government has also initiated measures to enhance the capabilities of these towers through satellite telecommunication systems and strengthen communication across all 314 blocks by integrating modern high-speed communication technologies with the central control room.

“The Doppler Weather Radar at Sambalpur has already become operational, while the proposed radars at Balasore and Bhubaneswar will be commissioned shortly. Repair and upgradation of the existing Doppler Weather Radars at Gopalpur and Paradip are also underway. In addition, a new Doppler Weather Radar will be established at Puri,” the minister said.

He stated that once all these radars become fully operational, weather forecasting in Odisha will become significantly more accurate, thereby strengthening disaster preparedness and response.

Pujari added that in view of changing weather patterns and climate change, the state government is committed to strengthening disaster management infrastructure through adoption of state-of-the-art technologies.

The meeting also reviewed the recent flood situation and decided to strengthen reservoir management, water conservation, river water allocation and drainage management. Water regulation across river systems will be improved through computerised monitoring and enhanced coordination with neighbouring states.

Addressing lightning-related fatalities, Pujari informed that the state government has sanctioned Rs 35 crore to the Forest Department for plantation of palm trees in agricultural fields as part of its strategy to reduce deaths.

The meeting also discussed adoption of advanced technologies to address urban waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall.

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has already initiated work in collaboration with IIT Roorkee for this purpose.

The minister reiterated that the state government remains committed to strengthening disaster management infrastructure to ensure effective disaster response and safeguard human life and public property.

–IANS

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