Set up International Centre for Disaster Mitigation & Recovery in Odisha: Naveen

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today proposed the United Nations officials to set up an International Centre for Disaster Mitigation & Recovery in Odisha.

Speaking to the officials of the United Nations, World Bank and Asian Development Bank and other International organisations led by Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance in a meeting at Secretarial today, the Chief Minister said that the United Nations System plays an important role in developing global public goods. Therefore, the United Nations University may consider setting up an International Centre for Disaster Mitigation & Recover at Bhubaneswar. This could help in building upon the expertise that Odisha has gained in this sector as well as in developing International best practices for use across the world, the CM said. He also assured the UN team to provide all possible support for establishment of this Centre in Bhubaneswar.

The Chief Minister also laid stress on disaster proofing of energy infrastructure, development of resilient communication network and restoration of livelihoods. He urged the UN team to modify the existing programmes to incorporate some of these activities for early implementation in Odisha.

Appreciating the efforts of the State Government in pro-cyclonic evacuation, the UN team said that the timely efforts of the State Government saved the lives of many people. They also admired the relief and restoration work taken up by the State Government and assured full cooperation.