In a major step towards transforming Odisha’s disaster management system into a more data-driven, scientific and technology-enabled framework, the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) today signed two significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and CivicDataLab at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Centre.
The two partnerships will strengthen disaster risk assessment, preparedness and decision-making at the grassroots level and further advance Odisha’s efforts towards building a disaster-resilient and safer State.
The MoUs were signed in the presence of Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, UNDP India Resident Representative Angela Lusigi, and Director and Co-founder of CivicDataLab Gaurav Godhwani.On behalf of OSDMA, Executive Director Susmita Behera signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Pujari said that disaster management today must move beyond responding to disasters after they occur and focus on anticipatory action, preparedness and risk assessment based on accurate and timely data.
“Data-driven decision-making is critical for saving lives and protecting property while also enabling more effective and far-reaching development planning,” he said. He added that the new partnerships would further strengthen Odisha’s standing at the national and international levels in the field of disaster management.
Comprehensive HRVA across all 30 districts
Under the partnership between OSDMA and UNDP, a comprehensive Hazard, Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (HRVA) will be undertaken across all 30 districts of Odisha.
Data will be collected at the village level in 10 coastal districts vulnerable to cyclones and floods, while in the remaining 20 districts, the assessment will be undertaken at the Gram Panchayat level.
The data generated through the exercise will form the basis of a dynamic, GIS-enabled digital platform, which can be periodically updated in response to changing climate and risk patterns. The platform will support the preparation of district-level risk atlases and evidence-based policy decisions.
The digital HRVA system will provide a scientific and reliable evidence base for disaster mitigation, preparedness, climate resilience and long-term sustainable development planning across the State.
Minister Pujari said that UNDP’s extensive national and global experience in disaster management, community resilience, preparedness and capacity building would provide valuable support in further strengthening Odisha’s disaster management ecosystem.
Digital Public Infrastructure for Disaster Risk Reduction
The non-financial MoU with CivicDataLab will facilitate the development of a dedicated Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for Disaster Risk Reduction in Odisha.
Through its Intelligent Data Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDS-DRR) platform, CivicDataLab will integrate data from multiple departments and provide real-time dashboards and analytical insights to OSDMA and all District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs).
In the initial phase, the platform will focus on riverine floods, coastal flooding and heatwave-related risks, enabling more accurate assessment and forecasting and supporting faster, evidence-based decision-making.
The system will bring together data from different departments and sources, harmonise it and provide it in a standardised format. This will facilitate better coordination, analysis and informed action before, during and after disasters.
Towards a safer and resilient Odisha
The two MoUs mark a significant shift from conventional disaster management approaches towards a scientific, data-driven and digitally empowered disaster management ecosystem.
Minister Pujari said that the initiatives would significantly enhance the State’s ability to anticipate risks, strengthen preparedness and take timely decisions based on reliable data.
He said that under the leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, these initiatives would serve as an important step towards achieving the State’s goal of ‘Zero Casualty’ and building a safer, more resilient and climate-ready Odisha.
On the occasion, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, Special Relief Commissioner ; Dr. Kamal Lochan Mishra, Advisor, OSDMA ; Susmita Behera, Executive Director, OSDMA ; senior departmental officials and senior officers from the Departments of Agriculture, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Housing & Urban Development, Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Mission Shakti, Water Resources and other concerned departments were present.
