The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) and the Lunglei Fire Station (LFS), Mizoram, have been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapna Prabandhan Puraskar for 2023 for their contribution in disaster management.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the OSDMA was founded in 1999 following the Super Cyclone. The Odisha Disaster Response Action Force (ODRAF), the Multi-hazard Early Warning Service (MHEWS) framework, and a web/smartphone-based platform called SATARK (System for Assessing, Tracking, and Alerting Disaster Risk Information based on Dynamic Risk Knowledge) were among the initiatives undertaken by the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA).
“OSDMA responded effectively to numerous cyclones, including Hudhud (2014), Fani (2019), Amphan (2020), and Odisha floods” (2020). It stated that the OSDMA conducted disaster preparedness programmes in 381 tsunami-prone villages/wards and 879 multi-purpose cyclone/flood shelters located within 1.5 kilometres of the coast.
For the prize of 2023, nominations were requested beginning on July 1, 2022, and 274 valid nominations from institutions and people were received. The award is accompanied with a monetary prize of Rs 51 lakh and a certificate for institutions, and Rs 5 lakh and a certificate for individuals.
“Lunglei Fire Station, Mizoram, responded swiftly and effectively to a huge forest fire reported on April 24, 2021, in the uninhabited forest areas around Lunglei town and spreading to more than ten village council districts. Personnel from the Lunglei fire station, assisted by local people, worked nonstop for more than 32 hours to encourage and instruct residents on the spot. “There was no loss of life or property, and the fire did not spread to other parts of the state as a result of the courageous, daring, and timely actions of fire and emergency personnel in extinguishing the flames,” the report continued.
Notably, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union government has instituted an annual award known as the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar to recognise and honour the contribution and service of individuals and organisations in India in the field of disaster management. “Under the guidance of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah, the country has significantly improved its disaster management practises, preparedness, mitigation, and response mechanisms, resulting in a significant reduction of casualties during natural disasters,” according to the statement.
