There is a need to enhance the capacities of response teams to respond to unpredictable disasters- Naveen
Bhubaneswar, Aug 14 (Representative) Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said there is a need to enhance the capacities of response teams and community volunteers to respond to unpredicatble disasters in a better manner. Presenting awards to family members of recipients of Suraj Award and felicitating volunteers, institutions and response forces for their support during Bahanaga train tragedy on the occasion of World Organ Donation Day today, Patnaik said ‘’We require to be in a constant state of preparedness.’’ Patnaik said the emergence of human values, and compassion just after the Bahanaga incident has re-established our trust in the conscience of our society. He further said, “the incident at Bahanaga reminds us that disasters can strike at any time and anywhere. We need to enhance the capacities of our response teams and community volunteers to respond to such unpredicatble disasters in a better manner. We require to be in a constant state of preparedness.”
Recalling the contribution of people and agencies, he said the people of Bahanaga, local volunteers, institutions and response forces have held our heads high with their timely, selfless service. The CM offered condolences to the people who lost lives in the accident and described the incident as a tragedy that shook the nation with numerous deaths, severe injuries, immense pain and unimaginable sufferings. He also congratulated all the volunteers and organisations who were felicitated and appreciated the role of the district administration led by Balasore Collector. The role of people and administration during the tragedy will be remembered for all the time to come, the Chief Mnister said At the outset, the CM said that today is the day to realise the value of service and sacrifice in society. It’s a day to reset our goal to a beautiful future. Congratulating all, he said that service to people and helping others during the time of need brings self satisfaction. It makes our life meaningful.
The Chief Minister also thanked the family members of the recipients of Suraj Award and said they will always be remembered for their inspiring and exemplary humanitarian act. The family members of Suraj Award winners recived a cash award of Rs 5 Lakh each. The CM also paid tributes to late Suraj Behera on whose name this award is instituted and said that the sacrifice made by his parents has encouraged organ donation in the state. They have set an inspiring example for society. Revenue & Disaster Management Minister Smt Pramila Mallick described the tragedy and immense courage of the people who came out in large numbers to rescue and save lives.