The ambitious plan to establish a dedicated State Institute of Disaster Management (SIDM) in Maharashtra has reached a crucial juncture. The detailed proposal for the institute has been forwarded to the state government for its final review and approval, marking the last administrative step before on-ground execution can begin. This development was confirmed by officials from MahaMetro, the agency tasked with implementing the project.
Inside the Blueprint: A G+6 Campus at MIHAN
The proposed SIDM is slated to come up on a 10-acre plot within the MIHAN (Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur) special economic zone. The campus is designed as a G+6 structure, consolidating all critical academic and administrative functions under one roof. The multistoreyed building will house disaster management departments, classrooms, offices, and a state-of-the-art emergency operations centre.
Facilities for training, research, and policy planning are integral to the layout. The plan also includes dedicated spaces for a fitness centre, support infrastructure, and separate accommodation blocks for staff and hostels for trainees and visiting officials. A key feature is a dedicated auditorium and expansive open areas specifically designed for practical demonstrations, interaction-based learning, and large-scale simulation drills.
Learning from the Best: Nationwide Research Informs Plan
Before finalising the proposal, MahaMetro teams conducted extensive research, visiting several established disaster management institutes across India to incorporate proven best practices. Study visits included the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) southern campus near Vijayawada and the Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management (GIDM).
Furthermore, expert inputs were sought from Odisha, a state with extensive practical experience in handling cyclones and recurring natural disasters. "Guidance was sought and best practices were studied from institutions that handle recurring disasters. These learnings have been incorporated into the SIDM plan," revealed a senior official involved in the project.
Path Forward: Nodal Hub for Disaster Preparedness
The project has received in-principle state approval with an estimated expenditure of ₹184.94 crore. Once the final government nod is received, MahaMetro will commence construction. The institute's design and planning have been prepared by appointed consultants after multiple rounds of revisions.
The core vision for SIDM is to create a self-contained, state-level institute that will serve as one of Maharashtra's primary hubs for disaster preparedness and capacity building. It will focus on training, research, and policy support related to disaster response, mitigation, and resilience. Officials stated that the institute will work in tandem with the State Emergency Operations Centre, significantly strengthening Maharashtra's long-term disaster management capabilities.
