Paperman Media | Bhubaneswar
In a significant step towards strengthening Odisha’s disaster management system through technology and scientific data, the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) on Tuesday signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and CivicDataLab at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Centre.
The initiatives aim to enhance disaster risk assessment, preparedness and decision-making through real-time data, digital technologies and advanced analytical systems.
The MoUs were signed in the presence of Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, UNDP India Resident Representative Angela Lusigi and CivicDataLab Director and Co-founder Gaurav Godhwani. OSDMA Executive Director Susmita Behera signed the agreements on behalf of OSDMA.
Under the partnership with UNDP, a comprehensive Hazard, Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (HRVA) will be conducted across all 30 districts of Odisha. Village-level data will be collected in 10 cyclone and flood-prone coastal districts, while assessments in the remaining 20 districts will be carried out at the Gram Panchayat level.
The information collected will support the development of a dynamic GIS-enabled digital platform, district-level risk atlases and evidence-based planning for disaster mitigation, climate resilience and sustainable development.
The MoU with CivicDataLab will facilitate the development of Digital Public Infrastructure for Disaster Risk Reduction. Through its Intelligent Data Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction platform, data from multiple departments will be integrated to provide real-time dashboards and analytical insights to OSDMA and District Disaster Management Authorities.
Initially, the system will focus on riverine floods, coastal flooding and heatwave-related risks.
Minister Suresh Pujari said disaster management must increasingly focus on anticipatory action, preparedness and accurate risk assessment rather than responding only after disasters occur. He said advanced digital systems would contribute to building a safer, more resilient and climate-ready Odisha and support the State’s goal of achieving “Zero Casualty.”
Senior government officials and representatives of concerned departments were present on the occasion.
