Overview
- The second technical meeting of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group began in Puri on Wednesday with delegates and experts from 11 member and partner countries attending the three‑day programme.
- Delegates are debating multi‑hazard early warning and risk intelligence, resilient and climate‑smart infrastructure, sustainable disaster‑risk financing, anticipatory response and the use of traditional and community knowledge in planning.
- Odisha’s chief minister formally inaugurated the technical session on Thursday and state officials presented the state’s community‑based ‘zero‑casualty’ approach built around early warnings, timed evacuations and local volunteer networks.
- Security and logistics were stepped up for the in‑person meet with the Odisha Police deploying multiple platoons and specialized units while participants will observe practical demonstrations such as ODRAF water‑rescue at Ramchandi and a visit to Konark.
- Organisers and speakers said the Puri deliberations are intended to produce actionable inputs for BRICS cooperation that could influence national DRR plans, funding priorities and infrastructure projects aimed at protecting vulnerable coastal communities.