In a significant boost to the state’s disaster preparedness infrastructure, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari today inaugurated the newly constructed Disaster Management Training Hostel ‘Suraksha’ at the premises of the Revenue Officers’ Training Institute (ROTI) in Gothapatna, Bhubaneswar.
The facility comes under the State Institute of Disaster Resilience (SIDR) of the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA). Foundation stones were also laid for two more proposed hostels — ‘Sajag’ and ‘Sankalp’.
The inauguration marks another concrete step by the Odisha government toward building a robust, modern ecosystem for disaster management training and capacity building. Minister Pujari, who attended as the chief guest, also planted saplings on the occasion, underlining the state’s commitment to sustainable and resilient development.
“The new hostel is a significant milestone in the development of residential and training infrastructure at SIDR. It will further strengthen Odisha’s disaster management system,” Minister Pujari said while addressing the gathering.
Since the devastating Super Cyclone of 1999, OSDMA has steadily worked to transform the state’s approach to disaster preparedness and response. SIDR is being developed as a dedicated centre of excellence focused on advanced training, capacity building, research, and knowledge exchange.
‘Surakshya’ offers 107 twin-sharing rooms, of which 27 are air-conditioned, along with seven specially designated guest rooms. The hostel includes a dining hall and other essential amenities. It will provide quality residential accommodation for senior government officials, faculty members, experts, and participants attending national and international training programmes, workshops, and conferences at SIDR. The facility is expected to significantly enhance the institute’s ability to host specialised, high-level programmes.
Importantly, the hostel will also offer dedicated residential space for personnel of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF). This will support continuous training, capacity building, and readiness of the force, further reinforcing the state’s rapid response capabilities.
The proposed hostels ‘Sajag’ and ‘Sankalp’, for which foundation stones were laid today, will feature modern facilities including conference halls, gymnasiums, dining halls, and libraries.
During the programme, Minister Pujari specially appreciated the role of journalists in disaster management. He highlighted their contribution in disseminating timely information and creating public awareness during crises and expressed hope for even greater coordination between the government and the media fraternity in the days ahead.
Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil and senior officials of OSDMA were present on the occasion.
With the inauguration of ‘Surakshya’ and the groundwork for additional facilities, Odisha continues to turn hard-earned lessons from past disasters into stronger institutional readiness for the future.
