Bhubaneswar: The new Disaster Management Training Hostel ‘Suraksha’, established by the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) at the premises of the Revenue Officers’ Training Institute (ROTI), Gothapatna, under the State Institute of Disaster Resilience (SIDR), was inaugurated today. Foundation stones were also laid for two proposed training hostels, ‘Sajag’ and ‘Sankalp’.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Shri Suresh Pujari, who attended the programme as the Chief Guest, inaugurated the new hostel, laid the foundation stones for the proposed hostels and planted saplings on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Shri Pujari said that the new hostel marks a significant milestone in the development of residential and training infrastructure at SIDR and will further strengthen the State’s disaster management system.
It may be noted that OSDMA has been continuously working towards strengthening disaster preparedness and response in the State since the devastating Super Cyclone of 1999. The State Institute of Disaster Resilience (SIDR) is being developed as a dedicated centre of excellence for disaster management through advanced training, capacity building, research and knowledge exchange.
The newly constructed ‘Suraksha’ hostel comprises a total of 107 twin-sharing rooms, including 27 air-conditioned rooms, along with 7 specially designated rooms for guests. The facility also includes a dining hall and other allied amenities.
The training hostel ‘Suraksha’ will provide quality residential accommodation for senior government officials, faculty members, experts and participants attending national and international training programmes, workshops, conferences and other programmes organised at SIDR. The facility is expected to enhance the Institute’s capacity to conduct specialised and high-level training programmes.
The newly constructed hostel will also provide dedicated residential accommodation for personnel of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF). This facility will facilitate training, capacity building and disaster preparedness of ODRAF personnel, thereby further strengthening the State’s disaster resilience mechanisms and infrastructure.
The two proposed hostels, ‘Sajag’ & ‘Sankalp’, for which foundation stones were laid today, will also be equipped with modern facilities including conference halls, gymnasiums, dining halls and libraries, among other amenities.
On the occasion, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Shri Suresh Pujari appreciated the important role played by journalists in disaster management, particularly in disseminating timely information and creating public awareness. He also interacted with members of the media on various issues. The Minister expressed hope that in the coming days, the State’s disaster resilience capacity would be further strengthened through greater coordination and cooperation with the media fraternity.
Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil and senior officials of the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority were present at the programme.
