Bhubaneswar: Odisha's globally acclaimed disaster management model received international recognition during the successful conclusion of the second meeting of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRG), held in Puri from June 3 to 5 under India's BRICS 2026 Chairship.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Government of India, hosted the three-day meeting, bringing together senior officials and technical experts from eight BRICS member nations — China, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates — to strengthen cooperation in disaster risk reduction.

A joint press conference by the NDMA and the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) was held at Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on Saturday to highlight the outcomes of the international event.

The press conference was attended by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, NDMA Member Krishna Swaroop Vatsa, NDMA Member Dr. Dinesh Kumar Aswal, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Special Relief Commissioner and OSDMA Managing Director Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, OSDMA Executive Director Dr. Kamal Lochan Mishra, and other senior officials.

BRICS nations focus on Resilience, Innovation and Sustainable Development

Held under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability," the meeting focused on enhancing collaboration among BRICS countries in disaster preparedness, response and resilience-building.

Odisha used the platform to showcase its disaster management achievements, particularly in early warning dissemination, cyclone preparedness, evacuation planning and community-based disaster risk management. Delegates from participating countries lauded the state's efforts in minimizing disaster-related fatalities and acknowledged its consistent success in achieving near-zero casualty outcomes during major cyclones.

The event also provided an opportunity for Odisha's disaster management professionals to engage with international experts, exchange best practices and learn from global experiences in disaster risk reduction.

A key highlight of the programme was a live water rescue demonstration conducted by the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) at Ramchandi. The exercise showcased Odisha's operational preparedness, specialised rescue equipment and emergency response capabilities for flood and water-related disasters.

Beyond disaster management, Odisha highlighted its cultural and tourism heritage before the international delegates. Participants visited the historic Konark Sun Temple and witnessed cultural performances featuring Odissi, Chhau, Jatra, and tribal dance and music traditions. Many delegates expressed admiration for Odisha's rich cultural legacy, architectural heritage and diverse traditions.

Officials said the successful hosting of the BRICS DRRG meeting has further strengthened Odisha's reputation on the global stage as a leader in disaster resilience and preparedness.

The initiative also aligns with the state's long-term development vision under Viksit Odisha 2036, which aims to achieve zero disaster-related casualties, build resilient infrastructure, modernise ODRAF and minimise the impact of disasters on lives and livelihoods.

The conference concluded with officials reaffirming their commitment to strengthening international cooperation and enhancing disaster risk reduction frameworks through innovation, knowledge-sharing and sustainable practices.