In a compelling appeal at the 8th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog in New Delhi, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi underscored Odisha’s urgent need for a central package to bolster disaster-resilient infrastructure. Highlighting the state’s vulnerability to natural calamities, Majhi emphasized Odisha’s pioneering role in disaster management and its resilience in the face of frequent natural disasters.
A Call for Central Assistance
Majhi’s plea for support from the Central Government was underpinned by a detailed proposal for enhancing infrastructure resilience. The Chief Minister outlined the need for:
- Underground Cabling in Urban Areas: To protect power lines from cyclone damage.
- Resilient Power Infrastructure in Rural Areas: Including the establishment of remote-control GIS grids.
- Saline Embankment Elevation: Raising embankments to at least 6.5 meters above sea level to prevent saltwater intrusion.
- Cyclone-Resilient Housing: Upgrading kaccha (temporary) houses to pucca (permanent) structures.
Majhi cited the devastating impact of Cyclone Fani in May 2019 as a critical example of the state’s infrastructural vulnerabilities. The cyclone caused extensive damage to Odisha’s power sector, including the destruction of over 1 lakh kilometers of 11-KV and low tension lines and the loss of 2.18 lakh electric poles. The aftermath saw prolonged power outages, particularly in Puri district, underscoring the need for robust disaster-preparedness measures.
Incentives for Environmental Stewardship
Furthering his case, Majhi highlighted Odisha’s significant role in environmental conservation, with the state boasting a 33% forest cover. He argued that while this green canopy contributes to ecological balance, it also limits the state’s capacity for land-based development projects, affecting economic growth. The Chief Minister requested the Centre to incentivize the state for its environmental services, including efforts to reduce carbon footprints.
Economic Development and Industrialization
Majhi also touched upon Odisha’s rich mineral resources, which position the state as a leading producer of minerals in India. However, he stressed the need for central support to move up the value chain, especially in producing special metals and alloys for the aerospace and defense industries. Additionally, Majhi sought assistance in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and advanced technologies for semiconductor design and manufacturing.
Vision for the Future
As Odisha approaches the 100th anniversary of its statehood in 2036, Majhi laid out an ambitious vision for the state’s future. He outlined plans for consistent economic growth of 8-10% annually, aiming to propel Odisha from a middle-ranking state to a frontrunner in India’s development landscape. The Chief Minister also emphasized the potential of the state’s 480-km-long coastline and abundant water resources to develop a Blue Economy, exploring avenues such as marine aquaculture, island tourism, and water sports.
Majhi’s address was a clarion call for enhanced central support, crucial for realizing Odisha’s potential as a resilient, economically vibrant, and environmentally sustainable state. As the state navigates the challenges and opportunities of the coming decade, the Chief Minister’s vision sets a bold agenda for development and disaster preparedness.