Overview
- The Odisha government confirmed Tuesday that the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force will be redesignated as the State Disaster Response Force after a high-level review of the state's disaster management system.
- Officials directed the creation of a separate SDRF battalion, the appointment of an independent officer to command it, and the establishment of a dedicated headquarters in the proposed Biparjyaya Parichalana Bhawan.
- The force will expand from 20 units to 30 with 10 new units to be stationed across the state to speed mobilization and reach remote coastal and riverine areas more quickly.
- Odisha State Disaster Management Authority was ordered to draft a comprehensive SOP in coordination with the Police covering operations, training, recruitment, equipment and human‑resource rules while implementation details and timelines remain pending.
- State ministers cited recent flood operations—including deployment of 59 teams, 674 personnel and 1,393 rescues—as the driver of reform and commentators say the upgrade will only improve public safety if recruitment, procurement and training are completed quickly.