Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA): A Benchmark for Disaster Preparedness and Management in India

Odisha, one of the most vulnerable states in the country to natural disasters, bears the brunt of natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, and droughts year after year. It has a vast coastline of 480 km which makes the coastal districts highly vulnerable to tropical cyclones and tidal surges. These coastal districts are vulnerable to high floods as well. Western parts of the state are prone to come in the moderate risk zone-III. In addition to this, the state is also affected by disasters like heat waves, lightning, epidemics, forest fires, road accidents, etc. The records of the previous disasters in the state substantiate the fact that about 80% of the state is prone to some form of disaster. Odisha State Disaster Mitigation Authority (OSDMA) was set up by the Government of Odisha as an autonomous organization, in the intermediate aftermath of the Super-cyclone in 1999. The Authority has the mandate not only to undertake mitigation activities but also to support the entire gamut of disaster management activities including the promotion of preparedness among all stakeholders as well as coordination with the line departments involved in reconstruction and recovery, coordination with bilateral and multi-lateral aid agencies, coordination with UN Agencies, International, National and State-level NGOs, Networking with relevant organizations for effective disaster management and building a disaster resilient State and promoting a culture of safety.