Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to designate the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) as the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to strengthen the state’s disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities.
The decision was taken during a review meeting chaired by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, where plans were discussed to enhance the force with improved infrastructure, additional manpower and specialised operational capabilities.
As part of the restructuring, the SDRF headquarters will be established at the proposed Biparjyaya Parichalana Bhawan. The government also plans to raise the number of operational units from 20 to 30 by adding 10 new units, expanding the force’s presence across Odisha.
The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) and the Police Department have been tasked with preparing standard operating procedures (SOPs) covering recruitment, training, equipment procurement and operational protocols for the upgraded force.
The move comes in recognition of ODRAF’s performance during recent flood relief operations. During the floods, 59 ODRAF teams comprising 674 personnel rescued 1,393 people across nine affected districts while carrying out evacuation, search, rescue and relief operations.
The decision is in line with the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025, which provides for the establishment of a dedicated State Disaster Response Force in every state to enhance disaster management and emergency response.
The upgrade is expected to further strengthen Odisha’s capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to natural disasters, reinforcing the state’s reputation for proactive disaster management.
-OdishaAge
