Bhubaneswar, 04 August (H.S.): The Odisha government has decided to upgrade the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) into the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), transforming it into a fully dedicated force for disaster management. The move aims to significantly enhance the force’s capacity, efficiency and preparedness in tackling natural calamities.

The decision was taken at a high-level review meeting on disaster management systems and infrastructure, chaired by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari at Lok Seva Bhawan. The minister emphasised strengthening ODRAF’s operational capabilities to ensure more effective disaster response in the state.

As part of the revamp, steps will be taken to form a separate battalion for ODRAF, along with the appointment of an independent officer to oversee its leadership and management. A new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will also be issued. Additionally, 10 new units will be created, taking the total number of ODRAF units to 30, to be strategically deployed across key locations in the state.

Reviewing the recent flood situation, officials highlighted ODRAF’s extensive rescue and relief operations under adverse conditions. The force has provided uninterrupted service for 490 hours across flood-affected regions. In nine districts, ODRAF teams conducted rescue operations using 59 boats, saving 852 men and 541 women. A total of 59 teams, comprising 674 personnel, were engaged round-the-clock in rescue efforts.

The teams also rescued 19 pregnant women, six snakebite victims, and 213 livestock. In addition, 25 emergency medical response operations were carried out, and 18 large trees were cleared to restore connectivity in affected areas.

Praising the efforts of ODRAF personnel, Minister Pujari said their courage and dedication in challenging conditions have strengthened the state’s disaster response mechanism and boosted public confidence. He added that a comprehensive assessment of the flood situation will be conducted to further improve disaster management systems and infrastructure.

The minister also directed that provisions under the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025 be implemented for strengthening SDRF in the state. The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), in coordination with the police department, has been tasked with preparing a comprehensive SOP covering operations, training, infrastructure, equipment and human resource management.

He further instructed officials to expedite damage assessment in flood-affected districts and ensure timely compensation for losses to agricultural land, housing, schools, anganwadi centres and other public infrastructure.

The meeting was attended by OSDMA Managing Director Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, Advisor Dr Kamal Lochan Mishra, Executive Director Susmita Behera, Economic Advisor Siddharth Shankar Acharya, along with other senior officials.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda