BRICS Nations Discuss Climate-Resilient Infrastructure at DRR Meet in Puri

The second technical meeting of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group began in Odisha’s Puri on Wednesday, with deliberations focused on strengthening disaster mitigation strategies across the expanded 11-member bloc.

The three-day meeting, hosted by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), will continue till June 5. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is scheduled to attend the event on Thursday.

According to NDMA, the opening day featured discussions on “Governance and Community-Based DRR,” “Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Risk Intelligence,” and “Resilient and Climate-Smart Infrastructure.”

A key focus area was strengthening multi-hazard forecasting systems, improving risk intelligence, and building a BRICS-wide knowledge-sharing framework, with special emphasis on flood risk management. Another session highlighted policy approaches for developing climate-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban infrastructure across member nations. Officials stressed the need to integrate resilience, sustainability, and climate adaptation into future infrastructure planning.

Odisha Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil presented the state’s disaster management model, showcasing its robust early warning systems, community participation, and widely recognised zero-casualty approach.

State Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari noted that this is the first in-person technical meeting of the BRICS DRR Working Group under India’s BRICS presidency, following a virtual inaugural session held on April 29-30. Policymakers and disaster management experts from BRICS member and partner countries are participating in the event, being hosted in Odisha for the first time.

Discussions will also cover sustainable financing for DRR, resilient infrastructure, anticipatory response systems, and integration of traditional knowledge into disaster resilience strategies. Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, while Indonesia joined in 2025.

Ahead of the event, Chief Minister Majhi called it a matter of pride for Odisha, highlighting its global recognition in disaster preparedness. Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik also praised the state’s disaster management model.

Delegates will witness a water-rescue demonstration by ODRAF at Ramchandi and visit the Konark Sun Temple during the programme. Tight security arrangements have been put in place for foreign delegates attending the event.