Prior to establishment of OSDMA, the emergency management in Odisha was not a specialised function. It was being handled by the district administration. However the 1999 super-cyclone this approach was found lacking. Due to lack of coordination on various organisations and departments, the rescue, and relief works were severely hampered. This caused a death toll of 10000. Government of Odisha created a comprehensive disaster response plan. OSDMA was created under this plan as an agency of the Department of Revenue & Disaster Management as Odisha State Disaster Mitigation Authority. Its primary purpose is to carry out response to natural or man-made disasters and for capacity-building in disaster resiliency and crisis response.It was later renamed to its present name.
Organisation
OSDMA is operationally organized into the following divisions:
Disaster Management Division
Projects Division
Finance division
Functions and responsibilities
OSDMA, as the apex body, is mandated to carry out, plan for Disaster Management to ensure timely and effective response to disasters. To achieve this, it has the following responsibilities
It carries out disaster mitigation activities such as mock drills and evacuation in vulnerable areas.
Carry out reconstruction activities while coordinating other departments.
Work with other state and national level relevant organizations for disaster management.
Prepare and issue guidelines for disaster management for local administrations and other organisations.
It also carries out preemptive disaster mitigation activities such as construction of cyclone shelters, early warning systems and preparedness drills
In addition to the major natural disasters, OSDMA is also the primary organisation for capacity improvement to face events such as Lightning, heat wave, whirlwind, tornado, heavy rain, drowning, boat accident and snake bite.
Programmes
OSDMA runs many programmes for disaster management
National Programme for Capacity Building of Architects in Earthquake Risk Management
National Programme for Capacity Building of Engineers in Earthquake Risk Management
Building Early warning system such as Cyclone and Tsunamialert siren towers in coastal areas.
Training a canine unit for rescue assistance.
Awards and Recognition
It was awarded the SKOCH Award, 2018 for its work in disaster management.
Disaster response
OSDMA has proved its efficacy with its commendable performance during various disasters hitting the state of Odisha. Some of the major response operations of OSDMA as below: 2013
