The 1999 October 29 Super Cyclone in Odisha had devastated more than half of the State, taking away around 10,000 precious human lives. The State was unprepared then to meet such a gigantic disaster. There were inadequate safe buildings for people to take shelter. IMD’s predictive technology was primitive. Odisha has come a long way since then, facing nine cyclones since 1999 and successfully reducing the loss of lives to less than two digits and lately to almost zero. The State has been appreciated at the national and international levels for its disaster management system.

Technological advancement in the field of Early Warning Dissemination System (EWDS) with national and international partnerships to achieve timely predictions has made it possible to strengthen preparedness measures. Still, there is a need for further strengthening the system for precise and impact-based forecasting in a simple language for common people to reduce the time lapse between prediction and dissemination of the warnings.

Odisha also has its own specialised response force, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), first of its kind in the country, and a highly-skilled multi- tasked disaster response force. Odisha Fire and Disaster Response Agency (OFDRA), has also proven its mettle in disaster response and rescue. Equipped with modern gadgets and equipment, these institutions have improved the State’s response capabilities manifold. Decentralised disaster management planning from villages to districts and to State departments, aided by empowered PRIs, women SHGs and trained community volunteers add to the strength of district and local administration in dealing with pre, during and post disaster search and rescue, evacuation, shelter management and relief and early recovery actions. To corroborate the planning at the community level, Odisha has also amended the Odisha Gram Panchayat Act, 1964 to extend the responsibility and accountability of planning, preparedness and mitigation measures to the PRI members.

In spite of facing six cyclones in the last three years, four in the last twenty-four (24) months with three summer cyclones, the State has demonstrated its capacity to rise every time to the occasion. However, in the light of changing dynamics of climate change, increased frequency and severity of disasters, it is vital to work towards building a resilient society that has the capacity to respond and bounce back better. Miles are to be covered to build disaster resilient societies like development of long-term disaster resilient infrastructure for mitigating adverse impacts of disasters not only on life but on rebuilding livelihoods. Vulnerability and risk assessments with a participatory approach through involvement of CSOs to develop resilience at the community level for effective recovery, economic development and alternate livelihood options needs to be focused upon. Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in the governance framework is where the State has started to work for building back better for a resilient Odisha. The State has prepared a long-term investment plan exceeding Rs 30,000 crore for disaster resilient power infrastructure, and coastal embankment protection using capital embankment construction along with shelter belt plantation with
mangroves and casuarina species, all along the Odisha coast. However, such huge investments cannot be alone managed by the State Government without the help of the Union Government.

A recent resolution of the Council of Ministers on May 29, 2021 has charted out the future course of action for disaster-resilient client State. A task force on disaster and pandemic management will be constituted to guide the State in future preparedness. Disaster management is being included in the curriculum of schools and colleges to enable a strong force of disaster management volunteers to strengthen the State’s efforts in disaster situations in the future. Besides, all elected representatives from Chief Minister to Corporators and ward members and from Chief Secretary to lowest level functionaries will be trained in different aspects of disaster management.

The task is huge. But, the State is confident of doing it and emerge a model in the country and the world.