Bhubaneswar: Odisha Revenue & Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Wednesday reviewed the progress of key infrastructure projects under the department and directed officials to complete the proposed Revenue Bhawan within two years and the Disaster Management Bhawan within 18 months.
The directions were issued during a review meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan, where the minister also assessed the proposed construction of a new auditorium complex at the Revenue Officers’ Training Institute in Gothapatna and a new Special Circuit House in Bhubaneswar.
During the meeting, the Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation and the Works Department presented the architectural designs of the proposed projects. Reviewing the proposals, Pujari said strengthening the infrastructure of the Revenue & Disaster Management Department would be a significant step towards ensuring efficient governance and improving public service delivery in the state.
The meeting was informed that construction of the new Revenue Bhawan near Kalpana Square in Bhubaneswar is expected to commence shortly. The proposed 10-storey building will house the Board of Revenue Camp Court, courtrooms for officers adjudicating various revenue cases, an auditorium for departmental meetings and conferences, and other essential support facilities. The minister directed officials to complete the project within the next two years.
Reviewing the proposed Disaster Management Bhawan, Pujari directed that its foundation stone be laid in August this year. The building will accommodate the offices of the Special Relief Commissioner, the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority, the State Emergency Operations Centre, ODRAF, and other disaster management-related establishments.
The proposed Disaster Management Bhawan will be a green, environmentally sustainable and disaster-resilient structure with earthquake-resistant features. It will include a dedicated Media Centre equipped with modern facilities to help journalists disseminate timely information during disaster situations.
The building will also provide space for departments and agencies associated with disaster management, including the Energy Department, Works Department, National Disaster Management Authority, National Disaster Response Force, as well as other national and international organisations. It will feature a control room equipped with advanced technological systems for early warning and emergency response.
Stressing the need for better coordination, the minister directed that the project be completed within 18 months, stating that bringing all key disaster management institutions under one roof would ensure more effective disaster response.
The meeting was attended by Dr Arvind Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue & Disaster Management Department; Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, Special Relief Commissioner; senior officers of the Revenue & Disaster Management Department; and officials of the OBCC and the Works Department.
