Odisha Policy Dialogue; Future Risk, Preparedness and Resilience in Odisha

April 2026 : The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), in collaboration with the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC), successfully organised a two-day Policy Dialogue on “Future Risk, Preparedness and Resilience in Odisha – Strengthening Thought Leadership Towards a 10-Year Strategic Outlook under Vision 2036 & 2047.” in Bhubaneswar on April 23 and 24, 2026.

The programme was inaugurated by Shri. Suresh Pujari, Hon’ble Minister, Revenue and Disaster Management, Government of Odisha, in the presence of Ms. Rita Missal, Hon’ble Member, National Disaster Management Authority, Shri. Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, IAS Managing Director, OSDMA, Dr. Kamal Lochan Mishra, IAS, Executive Director, OSDMA, Smt. Susmita Behera, OAS(SAG), Executive Director, OSDMA and Dr. Mona Chhabra Anand, Unit Head, ADPC along with senior government officials and eminent representatives from national and international organisations, marking a strong commitment towards strengthening disaster resilience in the State.

The event brought together senior government officials, experts, and representatives from national and international organisations to deliberate on emerging disaster and climate risks and the way forward for strengthening Odisha’s resilience over the next decade.

Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries highlighted Odisha’s achievements in disaster preparedness, early warning dissemination, and community-based response systems. They emphasised the need to further strengthen these systems in view of evolving risks driven by climate change, rapid urbanisation, and changing vulnerability patterns.

The programme also witnessed the release of key knowledge publications, including the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), Rainfall Climatology of Odisha (1993–2024), and The Response. These publications reflect the sustained efforts of the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority to strengthen institutional preparedness, enhance data-driven decision-making, and document best practices in disaster response and resilience building across the state.

The dialogue featured expert presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions focusing on future risk assessment, use of technology, institutional strengthening, financial preparedness, and community engagement. Participants also shared experiences and best practices to enhance disaster risk management in the State.

A key focus of the programme was to strengthen the role of the State Institute of Disaster Management (SIDM) as a centre of excellence for training, research, and knowledge generation. The discussions were aligned with Odisha’s long-term development vision under Vision 2036 and Vision 2047. Officials stated that the outcomes of the dialogue will contribute to shaping future policies, strengthening institutional capacities, and enhancing preparedness to ensure safety and resilience of communities across Odisha.

Anshuman Sahoo