The devastating super cyclone of 1999 caused such devastation in Odisha, the impression of which is still alive in the hearts of people. This cyclone killed more than 10,000 people and affected more than 13 million people. The devastation in 12 districts of the state was so severe that thousands of families were rendered homeless. At that time the government did not have any concrete system to deal with such disasters.
Inspiration and reform started from the disaster of 1999
This traumatic experience inspired the Government of Odisha to develop a sustainable and robust disaster management system. After this 1999 tragedy, Odisha established a state level disaster management authority (Odisha State Disaster Management Authority, OSDMA) for the first time in the country. This step was taken even before the establishment of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in 2005.
Major reforms in disaster management framework
Over the last two decades, Odisha has made its disaster management framework extremely strong and effective.
- Shelter Construction:
- The state has so far constructed more than 800 multi-purpose cyclone and flood shelters. Of these, 500 are cyclone shelters and 311 are flood shelters.
- Recently special plans have been made for the repair and maintenance of these shelters.
- Local Care Committees:
- Panchayat and urban bodies have been entrusted with the responsibility of taking care of the shelters.
- A local committee has been formed for each shelter, which is given an assistance of Rs 2,000 every month.
- future plans:
- 500 new multi-purpose cyclone and flood shelters will be built. These will be equipped with modern technology and facilities, so that maximum safety can be ensured in times of disaster.
Success through community participation
The biggest strength of Odisha’s disaster management model is its community participation.
- Women and self-help groups have been given an active role in disaster management.
- Thousands of trained volunteers and local people have been trained to respond quickly in times of disaster.
- The public has been prepared for every disaster through awareness campaigns and mock drills.
Challenges and Solutions
According to a survey in 2023, 67.7% of people in Jagatsinghpur district considered the existing cyclone shelters unsafe. Keeping this in mind, the Odisha government has started work on better maintenance and new construction projects.
