“Steps being taken to reach global standards in disaster management”

October 30, 2015 12:00 am | Updated 08:34 am IST - BHUBANESWAR:

Students at an exhibition to mark the National Day for Disaster Reduction in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.– PHOTO: Lingaraj Panda

Students at an exhibition to mark the National Day for Disaster Reduction in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.– PHOTO: Lingaraj Panda

Odisha government on Thursday said it was attempting to reach global standards in disaster management after having enhanced the level of awareness and skills to deal with disasters.

Addressing the Disaster Preparedness Day and National Day for Disaster Reduction, here, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, “we have enhanced our levels of awareness and skills to deal with disasters. We have been attempting to reach global standards in disaster management.”

“The Sendai framework for disaster risk reduction for the period of 2015 to 2030, adopted at the third UN World Conference in March 2015 at Sendai, Japan has stressed the need to enhance disaster preparedness and ‘build back better’ in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction,” said Mr. Patnaik.

“Use of space technology in disaster management has been chosen, as this year’s theme. I am hopeful that our disaster preparedness will be enhanced with the use of proven space technology. Space technology should help in giving more timely information in dissemination of data through GIS-based platform,” the Chief Minister said.

He went round different stalls where technologies for disaster reduction were exhibited. A solar power cart ‘Soura Ratha’, which is capable of producing up to one KW of energy and providing hassle free power supply in emergency situations, drew attention. The ‘Soura Ratha’ was unveiled by Mr. Patnaik.

Conceptualised and developed by Practical Action Foundation in collaboration with Climate Parliament and with support from Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency and Odisha State Disaster Management Authority, the solar power car is expected to serve cyclone shelters.

“Accessing energy and power for basic needs like charging mobiles or emergency lights or using water pumps for water was always a challenge post disaster. This new innovation will be helpful for such situation,” said energy sector expert Sanjit Behera

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