Bhubaneswar: The state government will spend Rs 2,000 crore for strengthening disaster-resilient infrastructure in Odisha.

This was revealed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on the occasion of Disaster Preparedness Day today.

“Odisha’s disaster management model has been lauded all over the world for its highest degree of preparedness, efficient response and zero casualty approach during calamities. On Odisha Disaster Preparedness Day, pledge to further bolster our disaster resilient infrastructure and readiness to protect every precious life,” said the Chief Minister.

The state government has planned to impart disaster management training to officials and people’s representatives starting from ward members to the Chief Minister, Patnaik added.

The Red Cross will be roped in to impart disaster management training to at least 10 people from each village in the state, he said.

“Automated weather and rain gauge station will come up at each panchayat in Odisha. The World Bank will provide financial assistance in this regard. Steps are being taken for stationing of at least one team of Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) in each district of the state,” added the Chief Minister.

Notably, Odisha had witnessed a devastating cyclone on October 29, 1999. At least 10,000 people were killed and several coastal districts of the state had suffered severe destruction in the calamity.