Odisha upgrades ODRAF to State Disaster Response Force, adds 10 new units

The Odisha government has decided to upgrade the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) to a full State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). The decision, announced by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari during a high‑level review, includes creating a separate battalion with independent leadership and adding ten new units, raising the total strength to 30.

A new standard operating procedure will be drafted, and the force will receive enhanced equipment, manpower, modern rescue gear, communication and transport assets. Officials highlighted ODRAF’s recent performance during floods, where 674 personnel, 59 boats and 59 teams rescued 1,393 people, including pregnant women and snake‑bite victims, and evacuated 213 livestock, providing 490 hours of uninterrupted service across nine districts.

The upgrade aims to align Odisha’s disaster response with the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act 2025 and national NDMA standards, improving readiness for floods, cyclones, landslides, earthquakes and industrial accidents.