Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has intensified its preparations to tackle the possible impact of El Niño during the current monsoon season, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi directing officials to formulate a comprehensive contingency plan to safeguard agriculture, water resources and disaster management operations across the state.
The directive was issued during a meeting of the Natural Disaster Committee held at Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar, where the Chief Minister reviewed the state’s preparedness for potential weather-related challenges arising from below-normal rainfall conditions.
Special Focus on Kharif Crop Protection
Expressing concern over the possibility of reduced rainfall due to El Niño conditions, CM Majhi instructed the Agriculture Department, Water Resources Department and other concerned agencies to work in close coordination to minimize any adverse impact on the upcoming Kharif season.
The Chief Minister stressed that timely planning and coordinated action would be crucial to protect farmers and ensure uninterrupted agricultural activities across the state.
He directed officials to closely monitor rainfall patterns, irrigation availability and crop conditions while preparing alternative strategies for districts that may face rainfall deficits.
Contingency Plan to Guide Timely Action
According to the Chief Minister, a dedicated contingency framework is being prepared to help authorities respond effectively to changing weather conditions.
“The impact of El Niño may lead to lower rainfall this year, creating multiple challenges. Keeping this in view, a contingency plan is being prepared to closely monitor the situation and facilitate timely and appropriate action based on real-time developments,” he said.
Officials have been asked to continuously assess weather forecasts and ground-level conditions to ensure quick intervention wherever required.
Departments Asked to Work in Coordination
The state government has emphasised inter-departmental coordination as a key component of its preparedness strategy.
Departments dealing with agriculture, irrigation, disaster management, water resources and rural development have been directed to work together to ensure:
- Adequate irrigation support for farmers
- Efficient water resource management
- Timely response to rainfall deficits
- Protection of standing crops
- Preparedness for drought-like conditions if required
The government aims to minimize disruptions to agricultural production while ensuring that farmers receive necessary support during the monsoon season.
Zero Casualty Objective Reaffirmed
Apart from agricultural preparedness, the Chief Minister reiterated Odisha’s long-standing disaster management goal of achieving zero casualties during natural disasters.
He warned that negligence in disaster preparedness or response would not be tolerated and directed officials to remain vigilant throughout the monsoon season.
Odisha is widely recognised for its disaster management capabilities, particularly in handling cyclones, floods and other weather-related emergencies.
Financial Support for Cyclone and Flood Shelters
To strengthen disaster preparedness at the grassroots level, the state government also announced financial assistance for the maintenance of disaster shelters.
Under the initiative, each of Odisha’s 911 cyclone and flood shelters will receive Rs 6 lakh for maintenance and upkeep.
Officials said the funds will be used to improve infrastructure, ensure operational readiness and strengthen emergency response mechanisms during natural disasters.
State Strengthens Preparedness Ahead of Monsoon
With weather experts forecasting the possibility of El Niño-related impacts during the current year, Odisha has begun proactive planning to safeguard agriculture, water resources and vulnerable communities.
The government’s focus remains on protecting farmers, ensuring efficient water management and maintaining robust disaster response systems to minimize the impact of any adverse weather conditions during the monsoon season.
As the state enters a crucial agricultural period, authorities are expected to closely monitor developments and implement contingency measures whenever necessary.
