By Braja Bihari Nanda

Phulbani: The landslide at Gidipabali, triggered by incessant rainfall under the influence of Cyclone Arnab, has set off alarms for the administration. The tragic incident, which claimed 13 precious lives, has emerged as a major blot on the government's disaster management efforts. Similarly, three members of a family lost their lives in a landslide at Dangesi in Raikia block. These incidents have been a wake-up call for the future.

The Odisha government is reportedly giving serious consideration to preventing such disasters in the coming years. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has informed that a comprehensive plan is being prepared to address the issue.

A large-scale survey is currently underway to identify vulnerable human settlements. Special attention is being given to landslide-prone districts such as Kandhamal and Gajapati. Recently, government officials visited various northeastern states to study successful disaster management and mitigation practices in hilly regions, minister said.

The Minister stated that once the survey identifies vulnerable settlements, new residential colonies will be developed for the families living in those areas. They will be rehabilitated through various government welfare schemes.

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However, how successful this government initiative will be in preventing natural disasters in Kandhamal district remains to be seen.

It may be mentioned that although Kandhamal district, situated in the Eastern Ghats mountain range, has hundreds of hills, major landslides were rarely reported in the past. The threat has emerged only recently. Following the landslide at Kalinga Ghat last year, the recent cyclone has further established Kandhamal as a landslide-prone district.

Landslides have significantly altered the geographical landscape of several villages situated at the foothills. The disasters have resulted in everything from crop damage to loss of human lives. Therefore, investigating the underlying causes has now become one of the biggest challenges.

According to Kandhamal Collector Vedabhushan, no technology has yet been developed to accurately predict landslides. At present, authorities can only identify areas with a history of landslides and take precautionary measures accordingly.

On the other hand, the district lacks any dedicated mechanism for conducting geological investigations of different locations. The Geological Office that previously functioned in the district was closed several years ago.

In this situation, there is a growing demand for the government to appoint a specialised team of experts to study the district's geographical and geological conditions.

In view of the recent experience, will the district administration take any urgent steps in this direction?

Responding to this question, the Collector said that such measures are certainly necessary. However, Cyclone Ornab has caused extensive damage across the district, and the administration is currently occupied with relief and restoration operations. He added that the matter would be taken up once the situation returns to normal.