The Odisha government has decided to upgrade the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) into the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency response across the state.
The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari. Under the plan, the force will function as a dedicated disaster response agency with improved manpower, infrastructure, training, and operational capabilities. A separate battalion led by an officer-in-charge will also be created to oversee its functioning.
The move aligns with the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025, which requires every state to establish an SDRF. The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority has already recommended redesignating ODRAF in line with national guidelines.
During the recent floods, ODRAF deployed 59 teams with 674 personnel and 59 rescue boats across nine affected districts. The force rescued 1,393 people, carried out emergency medical evacuations, assisted vulnerable residents, and restored road connectivity by removing fallen trees.
The proposed SDRF headquarters will be established at the upcoming Disaster Management Building in Bhubaneswar, while the force will expand from 20 to 30 units to ensure faster disaster response across Odisha.