Cape Town, South Africa, Sept. 18 (UDN): Odisha’s approach to disaster preparedness and climate resilience came into focus at the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, where Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy highlighted the state’s experience in managing recurring natural disasters.
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The four-day conference brought together Speakers, ministers, parliamentarians and legislative officials from 56 countries at the International Convention Centre in Cape Town.
Focus on development and climate resilience
Addressing the conference, Padhy said economic development and environmental sustainability must be pursued together. She highlighted the close links between climate resilience and sectors such as agriculture, water, energy, healthcare, infrastructure and disaster management.
She said climate change should be viewed not only as an environmental concern but also as a major development challenge requiring sustained policy intervention.
Odisha’s disaster preparedness highlighted
Padhy referred to Odisha’s disaster-management framework, particularly its experience in dealing with cyclones and other extreme weather events.
She highlighted measures including early warning systems, cyclone shelters, timely evacuation, coordinated response mechanisms and community participation as key elements of the state’s preparedness strategy.
She also stressed the importance of legislative support, dedicated budgetary provisions, continuous monitoring and accountability in strengthening climate resilience.
Focus on women and inclusive legislatures
During the conference, Padhy also participated in a session of Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians, along with discussions on improving the participation of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in parliamentary institutions.
The Indian delegation was led by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh and included Speakers from 17 state legislative assemblies, besides more than 200 delegates.
Odisha Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi and Assembly Secretary Satyabrata Rout were also part of the delegation attending the conference.
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