In a significant move to modernize the disaster management framework in Odisha, the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) has entered into two pivotal Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and CivicDataLab. This agreement was formalized today at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Centre.
The collaboration aims to bolster disaster risk assessment and enhance preparedness and decision-making processes at the local level, furthering Odisha’s commitment to becoming a disaster-resilient and safer region.
The signing ceremony was attended by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, UNDP India Resident Representative Angela Lusigi, and CivicDataLab’s Director and Co-founder Gaurav Godhwani. The MoUs were signed by OSDMA’s Executive Director Susmita Behera.
During the event, Minister Pujari emphasized the need for disaster management to evolve beyond mere response efforts to include anticipatory actions, preparedness, and risk assessments grounded in accurate, timely data. He stated, “Data-driven decision-making is critical for saving lives and protecting property while also enabling more effective and far-reaching development planning.” He further noted that these new partnerships would enhance Odisha’s reputation nationally and internationally in disaster management.
As part of the collaboration with UNDP, a thorough Hazard, Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (HRVA) will be conducted across all 30 districts in Odisha. This assessment will involve data collection at the village level in the 10 coastal districts most susceptible to cyclones and floods, while the other 20 districts will be assessed at the Gram Panchayat level.
The data gathered will serve as the foundation for a dynamic, GIS-enabled digital platform that can be updated in line with evolving climate and risk scenarios. This platform will aid in the creation of district-level risk atlases and support evidence-based policy-making.
The digital HRVA system is designed to provide a solid scientific basis for disaster mitigation, preparedness, climate resilience, and long-term sustainable development planning throughout the state.
Minister Pujari acknowledged that UNDP’s extensive global and national experience in disaster management, community resilience, and capacity building would be instrumental in reinforcing Odisha’s disaster management infrastructure.
The non-financial MoU with CivicDataLab will lead to the establishment of a specialized Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) dedicated to Disaster Risk Reduction in Odisha. CivicDataLab’s Intelligent Data Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDS-DRR) platform will consolidate data from various departments, offering real-time dashboards and analytical insights to OSDMA and all District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs).
Initially, the platform will target risks associated with riverine floods, coastal flooding, and heatwaves, allowing for more precise assessments and forecasts while facilitating faster, data-informed decision-making.
This system will integrate and standardize data from multiple sources, enhancing coordination, analysis, and informed actions before, during, and after disasters.
The signing of these MoUs represents a critical transition from traditional disaster management methods to a scientific, data-driven, and digitally empowered approach. Minister Pujari concluded by stating that these initiatives would significantly improve the state’s capacity to anticipate risks, enhance preparedness, and make timely decisions based on reliable data, steering Odisha towards its goal of ‘Zero Casualty’ and fostering a safer, more resilient, and climate-ready state.
Also present at the event were Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, OSDMA Advisor Dr. Kamal Lochan Mishra, Executive Director Susmita Behera, and senior officials from various relevant departments.
