Odisha Expands Disaster Management Infrastructure with New ‘Suraksha’ Hostel at SIDR

Bhubaneswar: Odisha is expanding its institutional capacity for disaster preparedness and response with the addition of new residential facilities at the State Institute of Disaster Resilience (SIDR), as the State seeks to strengthen training and capacity building for officials and frontline disaster-response personnel.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari inaugurated the newly constructed ‘Suraksha’ Disaster Management Training Hostel at SIDR, located within the premises of the Revenue Officers’ Training Institute (ROTI), Gothapatna, on Thursday. He also laid the foundation stones for two more proposed hostels, ‘Sajag’ and ‘Sankalp’, and planted saplings on the occasion.

Pujari said the new infrastructure would strengthen SIDR’s ability to host residential training programmes and contribute to building a more capable and resilient disaster management system in the State.

The development of SIDR as a centre of excellence comes against the backdrop of Odisha’s efforts to institutionalise disaster preparedness following the 1999 Super Cyclone. Since then, OSDMA has undertaken a range of initiatives aimed at strengthening preparedness, response, training and community resilience.

The Suraksha hostel has 107 twin-sharing rooms, of which 27 are air-conditioned, apart from seven specially designated guest rooms. A dining hall and other allied facilities have also been provided at the new complex.

The facility will accommodate government officials, trainers, experts and participants attending national and international programmes, workshops, conferences and specialised training sessions at SIDR. Its residential capacity is expected to enable the institute to conduct larger and more intensive capacity-building programmes.

A dedicated accommodation facility for ODRAF personnel has also been provided at the hostel. Officials said the arrangement would facilitate regular training and preparedness activities of the specialised disaster-response force and strengthen its operational readiness.

The proposed Sajag and Sankalp hostels are also planned as modern residential and training facilities. The complexes will include amenities such as conference halls, gymnasiums, dining halls and libraries to support comprehensive training and capacity-building programmes.

Addressing the gathering, Pujari also highlighted the role of journalists during disasters, particularly in disseminating verified and timely information and creating public awareness. He called for stronger coordination between the disaster management authorities and the media to ensure effective communication during emergencies.

The Minister expressed hope that continued investment in infrastructure, training and institutional capacity would further enhance Odisha’s disaster resilience in the years ahead.

Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil and senior officials of the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority were present at the programme.