Bhubaneswar: Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) will be designated as the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and transformed into a professionally equipped, dedicated disaster response force with enhanced operational capabilities, infrastructure and manpower to strengthen disaster management across the state. The transition would be carried out in phases.Revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari announced the decision during a high-level review meeting of the state’s disaster management system and infrastructure on Tuesday.The minister said the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025 provides for the establishment of a State Disaster Response Force in every state. In line with the operational framework issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the governing body of the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) has recommended designating ODRAF as Odisha’s SDRF. He directed officials to operationalise the decision at the earliest and develop ODRAF into a specialised force dedicated exclusively to disaster response and management.The expansion plan entails setting up the SDRF headquarters in the proposed disaster management building (Biparjyaya Parichalana Bhavan). The force would be strengthened with the addition of 10 new units, taking its total strength from 20 to 30. The units will be strategically deployed across the state to ensure faster emergency response.Pujari also directed OSDMA, in coordination with the police, to prepare a comprehensive standard operating procedure (SOP) covering operational responsibilities, training standards, infrastructure, equipment, recruitment and human resource management. He further called for detailed documentation of the operational challenges encountered during the recent flood response to improve preparedness for future disasters.Reviewing ODRAF’s performance during the recent flood emergency, the minister praised the force for its exemplary service under extremely challenging conditions. As of Aug 4, ODRAF had deployed 59 teams comprising 674 trained personnel across nine flood-affected districts, supported by 59 rescue boats. The force carried out nearly 58 hours of night-time rescue operations, rescuing 1,393 people, including 852 men and 541 women.The teams also evacuated 19 pregnant women, shifted six snakebite victims to healthcare facilities in time, carried out 25 emergency medical evacuations, rescued 213 livestock and removed 18 fallen trees to restore road connectivity. Overall, ODRAF has provided 490 hours of uninterrupted rescue and relief services in flood-affected areas.Commending the courage and dedication of the rescue personnel, Pujari said their efforts had significantly strengthened the state’s disaster response capability and reinforced public confidence in its preparedness to deal with natural calamities. He stressed the need to further enhance ODRAF’s operational efficiency through systematic capacity building and institutional strengthening.Reviewing the post-flood situation, the minister directed officials to expedite damage assessment in all affected districts and complete surveys of crop and agricultural land losses, vegetable cultivation, houses, schools, anganwadi centres and other public infrastructure at the earliest. He said timely completion of the assessment would ensure that compensation and assistance reach affected beneficiaries without delay.
