Given the evolving circumstances, it is essential to enhance the organizational framework of the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) by national standards and guidelines
OdishaPlus Bureau
Odisha is set to reorganize its state disaster management authority, aiming to transition its emphasis from preparedness and disaster response to risk reduction and resilience. This decision comes 25 years after the establishment of the agency, which was formed in the aftermath of the 1999 super cyclone that resulted in the loss of over 10,000 lives, as stated in a recent resolution by the organization.
“Current international policies emphasize the integration of disaster risk management with climate change initiatives. Given the evolving circumstances, it is essential to enhance the organizational framework of the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) by national standards and guidelines. Additionally, there is a need to develop its capacity to transition from a focus on mitigation, preparedness, response, and reconstruction to a comprehensive approach centered on disaster risk reduction and resilience, as stated in a resolution released by the agency on Friday.
Odisha was the pioneering state in India to establish a disaster management authority. This initiative was implemented six years before the formation of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in 2005, which was a response to the Indian Ocean tsunami that resulted in the loss of more than 25,000 lives.
According to Dr Nibedita S Ray-Bennett, an educator in Risk Management at the University of Leicester’s School of Management and a social scientist focused on disaster risk reduction, the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) has effectively managed preparedness and response to natural disasters, resulting in a low death toll in most incidents following the 1999 super cyclone. However, the implementation of disaster-resilient housing infrastructure in areas prone to risks remains insufficient. Additionally, significant efforts are required in post-disaster recovery to enhance resilience. Furthermore, the state should prioritize the development of underground power supply systems, given its susceptibility to frequent tropical storms. Thus, a shift in perspective is indeed commendable.
Over the years, OSDMA has focused on enhancing capacity, preparedness and disaster management. Nevertheless, the agency has struggled with its post-disaster response and has not effectively mitigated extensive damage to infrastructure and key sectors such as agriculture, fishing and animal husbandry.
In the aftermath of Cyclone Fani in 2019, the state incurred losses amounting to ₹8,138 crore. The cyclone severely impacted residential structures, causing damage to approximately 362,000 homes across 14 districts. As per an estimate from the state government, the total economic losses resulting from the last three cyclones—Phailin, Titli and Fani—are estimated to be around ₹40,474 crore.
Officials stated that Odisha has transitioned from a focus on disaster response to one centered on disaster resilience. In June 2020, during a visit by the inter-ministerial central team to evaluate the destruction inflicted by cyclone Amphan, the state government requested a ₹20,000-crore package from the Union government to develop disaster-resilient infrastructure within the state.
