Odisha, a state often facing the brunt of natural calamities, is taking proactive steps to bolster its disaster preparedness. The state government, in collaboration with the World Bank, is embarking on a mission to enhance its emergency response infrastructure. This initiative, funded through the Odisha State Capability and Resilient Growth Programme (OSCRGP), focuses on strengthening the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) and district emergency units, ensuring a more efficient and coordinated response to future disasters.

At the heart of this project lies the modernization of the SEOC, the nerve center for disaster management in Odisha. Enhancements include:

• Hotline service: Establishing a dedicated hotline to facilitate seamless communication and information flow during emergencies. This will enable quick and effective decision-making, ensuring timely response and resource allocation.
• Direct communication links: Setting up point-to-point communication links to ensure uninterrupted connectivity between the SEOC and key stakeholders, including district emergency units, government agencies, and rescue teams.
• Cell broadcasting system: Implementing a state-wide cell broadcasting system to disseminate early warnings to specific zones or locations. This technology will enable targeted messaging, ensuring that communities at risk receive timely alerts and can take necessary precautions.

Beyond the SEOC, the project also prioritizes strengthening district-level emergency units. These units play a crucial role in coordinating on-ground response efforts, ensuring effective multi-agency collaboration and inter-governmental coordination during disasters. Recognizing their importance, six units in the coastal belt, particularly vulnerable to cyclones and floods, have been made operational 24/7.

This comprehensive upgrade will equip the SEOC and district emergency units with advanced tools and technology, including enhanced GIS capabilities. This will facilitate access to real-time information, including impact-based forecasts and risk-based early warnings, enabling seamless operations and informed decision-making during critical situations.

The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), in collaboration with the Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC), will spearhead this project, aiming to complete the upgrades within a year. This collaborative effort underscores the state's commitment to building a more resilient Odisha, capable of effectively mitigating the impact of natural disasters.

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