Governance / ODRAF to Become Odisha's State Disaster Response Force

Bhubaneswar, Aug 4: The Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) will be upgraded into the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) with enhanced infrastructure, manpower and operational capabilities to strengthen disaster preparedness and response across the state, officials said on Tuesday.

The decision was reiterated during a high-level review meeting chaired by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari at Lok Seva Bhawan here. The Minister emphasized the need to transform ODRAF into a professionally equipped, dedicated force capable of responding effectively to all types of natural disasters.

Reviewing ODRAF’s performance during the recent floods, Pujari lauded the exemplary services rendered under challenging conditions. As of today, ODRAF had deployed 59 teams with 674 trained personnel across nine flood-hit districts, supported by 59 rescue boats. The force conducted nearly 58 hours of night-time operations, rescuing 1,393 people, including 19 pregnant women and six snakebite victims. It also carried out 25 medical evacuations, rescued 213 livestock, and removed 18 fallen trees to restore connectivity. Altogether, ODRAF provided 490 hours of uninterrupted rescue and relief services.

Commending the courage and professionalism of the personnel, the Minister said their service had strengthened Odisha’s disaster response capacity and reinforced public confidence. He stressed the need for systematic capacity building and institutional strengthening to further enhance operational efficiency.

The Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025 mandates establishment of SDRF in every state. Acting on recommendations of the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), the government will designate ODRAF as SDRF. A separate battalion with a commanding officer will be created, and SDRF headquarters will be set up in the proposed Disaster Management Building (Biparjyaya Parichalana Bhawan).

Also Read: Odisha Floods: Water Recedes, Misery Persists

The force will be expanded with 10 new units, raising its strength from 20 to 30 units strategically stationed across the state for faster emergency response. A comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be framed covering training, infrastructure, recruitment and equipment standards.

The Minister also directed officials to expedite post-flood damage assessment, ensuring timely compensation for crop loss, houses, schools, Anganwadi centres and public infrastructure. Senior officials of OSDMA and the Police Department attended the meeting.