Bhubaneswar: Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), in collaboration with the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, has initiated efforts to shape a long-term disaster resilience framework for Odisha, with a two-day high-level consultation focusing on future risks, preparedness, and institutional strengthening.
The consultation, titled “Future Risk, Preparedness and Resilience in Odisha – Strengthening Thought Leadership Towards a 10-Year Strategic Outlook under Vision 2036 & 2047,” was inaugurated in Bhubaneswar, bringing together policymakers, experts, and global stakeholders.
Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management, Suresh Pujari, inaugurated the event and stated that the state’s disaster management model has received global recognition. He emphasised that Odisha’s consistent ability to respond effectively to disasters is rooted in collective institutional efforts.
The consultation aims to develop a structured roadmap to enhance Odisha’s resilience to emerging risks, particularly those linked to climate change, rapid urbanisation, and evolving socio-economic conditions. It reflects the state government’s continued push to strengthen preparedness systems and future-proof its disaster response mechanisms.
Among those present were Rita Mishal of the National Disaster Management Authority, along with senior officials of OSDMA and representatives from national and international organisations, highlighting the collaborative approach being adopted.
Deliberations during the sessions focused on critical areas, including future risk assessment, technology integration, institutional capacity building, financial resilience, and community participation. Experts underscored the importance of strengthening early warning systems, improving information dissemination, and enhancing community-based disaster management practices.
The discussions also outlined a larger institutional vision, with plans to develop the State Institute of Disaster Management into a Centre of Excellence for training, research, and knowledge creation, aimed at building long-term capacity across sectors.
Officials indicated that the outcomes of the consultation will feed into future policy formulation and strategic planning, helping Odisha transition from a reactive disaster response model to a proactive and resilience-driven framework.
Aligned with the state’s Vision 2036 and Vision 2047 goals, the initiative is expected to play a key role in ensuring sustained safety, preparedness, and adaptive capacity for communities across Odisha in the coming decade.
