Bhubaneswar The city will get a modern disaster management center

Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to enhance disaster management capabilities, the state government has decided to construct a state-of-the-art disaster management building in the city at a cost of Rs 300 crore, with work to be completed in two years. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced this at a review meeting on Friday.
The new facility will serve as a hub for disaster management operations, bringing together key agencies such as the Fire Services, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), Forest Department, and other emergency services under one roof. The building will be equipped with modern technology and advanced resources to effectively handle emergencies. “This building will ensure that all disaster management activities, from firefighting to flood control, are coordinated from a single location, enabling a more synchronized and faster response during difficult times,” Pujari said during the review meeting. In Odisha, common disasters like floods, cyclones, heatwaves, and lightning, as well as emergencies like fires and snake bites, will now be managed more effectively from a unified control room. The new center will play a crucial role in coordinating response to these emergencies and providing faster and more efficient services to the public. Pujari emphasized that even high-rise buildings in the capital will benefit from the latest firefighting technology and expertise, ensuring complete preparedness for all types of emergencies.
The Minister also participated in a major review of fire and emergency services at the State Fire Command Center located at the Odisha Fire and Disaster Response Academy (OFDRA) in Bhubaneswar. During the inspection, he provided important guidance on how various departments can work together to better manage disasters. Senior officials from the Fire Services Department, including Director General of Fire Services Sudhanshu Sarangi and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Fire Services Uma Shankar Das, were present at the meeting. They discussed how agencies like the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), ODRAF, and fire services can work together to respond quickly to emergencies. “We need to ensure that every department involved in disaster management is prepared to work quickly and efficiently,” Pujari said. “Working together is essential to save lives and minimize damage.”