Odisha SEC Approves ₹2,147 Crore Disaster Management Budget for 2026-27, Clears Flood Mitigation and Heatwave Relief Projects

17 Jul 2026, 07:02 by Vinay Kakkad · KalingaTV

Odisha has approved a ₹2,147-crore disaster management budget for 2026-27, with the State Executive Committee (SEC) clearing a series of initiatives ranging from urban flood mitigation and heatwave relief to strengthening emergency communication systems and expanding community-based disaster preparedness.

The decisions were taken at the first meeting of the SEC, constituted under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, held at Lok Seva Bhawan on Thursday. The approved outlay includes ₹1,718 crore under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and ₹429 crore for the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF).

A significant portion of the discussions centred on reducing disaster risks before they escalate into emergencies. The committee examined a ₹222.20-crore proposal aimed at addressing urban flooding and waterlogging in Bhubaneswar through long-term interventions. The project comprises a ₹200-crore contribution from the National Disaster Mitigation Authority and a ₹22.20-crore share from the Odisha government, and proposes measures such as strengthening the city’s drainage network, rejuvenating integrated drains, expanding rainwater harvesting infrastructure and establishing an improved early warning system.

As reported by The New Indian Express, The SEC also cleared a ₹1.77-crore proposal for the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) to enhance public safety during extreme summer heat. The approved measures include developing multi-purpose rest shelters, installing mist cooling fans at bus stands, carrying out reflective painting in Salia Sahi, and improving ventilation, roof shading and drinking water facilities at Netaji Bus Terminal in Cuttack.

Strengthening Odisha’s disaster response capacity formed another major focus of the meeting. Members deliberated on mobilising resources for forest fire mitigation, upgrading communication infrastructure, enhancing the operational capabilities of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), improving fire services and fire safety training, expanding capacity-building programmes and reinforcing various data-driven disaster management systems.

To improve communication during emergencies, the committee approved the procurement and deployment of HF and VHF base stations, VHF mobile sets, V-SAT systems and satellite phones for ODRAF, ensuring more reliable connectivity during disaster response operations.

Recognising the importance of community participation, the SEC also approved the formation of village-level task forces consisting of 3,000 volunteers across 3,000 villages that do not have cyclone shelters. The volunteers will undergo training in early warning dissemination, search and rescue, first aid and relief management, enabling local communities to play a more active role during disasters.

During the meeting, officials informed the committee that ₹1,064.48 crore from the approved allocation has already been utilised in the current financial year.

Reviewing the implementation roadmap, Chief Secretary Anu Garg directed all departments to ensure timely execution of the approved projects while maintaining quality standards. She also called for regular monitoring and efficient utilisation of funds, stressing that Odisha should continue to uphold its reputation for effective disaster management while working towards building a safer, more aware and disaster-resilient state.