Bhubaneswar, June 2: Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, announced on Monday that the state has been selected to host the first in-person technical meeting of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) working group. This recognition comes due to Odisha’s internationally acknowledged expertise in disaster preparedness and cyclone management.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of India chaired the first technical meeting of the BRICS DRR working group virtually on April 29-30, 2026. This meeting aimed to bring member countries together to advance a shared agenda for enhancing disaster response capabilities.
The upcoming in-person technical meeting will take place from June 3 to 5 at the Taj Puri Resort in Puri, Odisha. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will inaugurate the workshop on June 4.
During a media briefing, Pujari stated that representatives, policymakers, and disaster management experts from BRICS member countries will convene to discuss strategies for strengthening disaster response capabilities and enhancing international cooperation in disaster risk reduction.
The three-day technical meeting is expected to see participation from numerous representatives of BRICS member and allied countries. Delegates from the Indian government, disaster management agencies, and technical experts will also engage in discussions.
Highlighting Odisha’s achievements, Pujari noted that the state has successfully managed several major cyclones and natural disasters over the past two decades through timely evacuations, effective preparedness, and community involvement.
He expressed confidence that this meeting would provide Odisha an opportunity to showcase its disaster management expertise and learn from global best practices. Discussions will focus on sustainable disaster risk reduction financing, resilient infrastructure, predictive response, and the integration of traditional knowledge into disaster management strategies.
As part of the program, delegates will be taken on study tours of cyclone shelters and disaster management facilities to gain firsthand experience of Odisha’s disaster preparedness model. A sightseeing tour is also scheduled for the delegation.
Senior officials from the state government, including departmental secretaries and disaster management experts, will engage with the representatives during a formal dinner on June 4.
The minister emphasized, “The exchange of ideas and experiences among participating countries will further strengthen disaster preparedness and response capabilities. Odisha will benefit from these exchanges, and the delegation will gain valuable insights from the state’s proven disaster management model.”
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