In a significant move to bolster its emergency preparedness, the Odisha government has unveiled plans for a cutting-edge disaster management facility in the state capital. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari made the major announcement on Saturday during his visit to the State Fire Service and Emergency Services Control Room in Bhubaneswar.
A Unified Command for Emergencies
The proposed building, with an estimated cost of Rs 300 crore, is designed to be a game-changer for the state's response to crises. Minister Suresh Pujari confirmed that the construction is slated for completion within a tight timeframe of two years. The core vision is to bring crucial agencies like the fire services, ODRAF (Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force), the forest department, OSDMA (Odisha State Disaster Management Authority), and other emergency units under a single, unified roof.
This integration is expected to eliminate operational silos and ensure a faster, more synchronized response during a wide array of disasters. Officials highlighted that the hub will be pivotal in managing situations ranging from cyclones and floods to heatwaves, lightning strikes, fires, and urban emergencies.
Advanced Technology for Faster Response
The facility will be equipped with the latest technology, featuring a unified control room that will act as the nerve center for all disaster management operations. This advanced setup is anticipated to drastically improve the efficiency of emergency responses across Odisha.
Emphasizing the critical need for this project, Minister Pujari stated, "The new hub will enable synchronised operations, especially for high-rise firefighting and urban disaster preparedness." He stressed that seamless inter-departmental coordination is non-negotiable when the goal is to save lives and minimize property damage during a crisis.
Strengthening Odisha's Disaster Resilience
The review meeting at ODRAF was attended by senior officials including DG Fire Services Sudhanshu Sarangi and DIG Uma Sankar Das, where plans to strengthen unified response mechanisms were discussed. The minister pointed out that Odisha, being a state prone to frequent natural calamities, requires such robust infrastructure and quick decision-making systems to handle emergencies effectively.
Beyond being an operational command center, the modern facility will also serve as a dedicated training hub. This will enhance the capacity of disaster response teams and ensure real-time monitoring of incidents across the entire state.
This development marks a substantial push towards urban resilience and disaster risk reduction, solidifying Odisha's reputation as a leader in proactive disaster management. With this integrated emergency hub, the state aims to set a new national benchmark, ensuring that all critical services work in perfect tandem during any future crisis.
