For the year 2023, Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) and Lunglei Fire Station (LFS), Mizoram, both in the institutional category, have been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar-2023 for their outstanding work in disaster management.
The Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has introduced an annual award known as Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar to recognize and appreciate the invaluable contribution and selfless service rendered by individuals and organizations in India in the field of disaster management.
The award is announced every year on January 23, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 51 lakh and certificate in case of institution and Rs. 5 lakh and certificate in case of individual.
Under the leadership of Union Home Minister and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah, the country has significantly improved its disaster management procedures, preparedness, mitigation and response mechanisms, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of casualties during natural calamities.
Nominations for the 2023 award were solicited from 1 July 2022. The 2023 award program received wide publicity through print, electronic and social media. In response to the selection process, 274 valid nominations were received from institutions and individuals.
The following is a summary of the outstanding work of the 2023 Prize winners in disaster management:
•The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) was established in 1999 in the wake of a super cyclone. OSDMA has embarked on several initiatives including the creation of Odisha Disaster Response Action Force (ODRAF).
•Multi-hazard Early Warning Service (MHEWS) framework and a cutting-edge technology based web/smartphone platform called “SATARK” (System for Assessment, Tracking and Alerting to disaster risk information based on knowledge of dynamic risks).
•OSDMA has provided effective response during various cyclones, Hudhud (2014), Fani (2019), Amphan (2020) and Odisha (2020) floods. OSDMA has implemented disaster preparedness initiatives in building community resilience in 381 villages/tsunami prone areas and 879 multi-purpose cyclone/flood shelters located within 1.5 km of the coast.
•Lunglei Fire Station, Mizoram responded effectively and efficiently to a massive forest fire that was reported on 24th April 2021 in the uninhabited forest areas that surrounded Lunglei town and spread to more than 10 urban areas.
•Lunglei Fire Station personnel, assisted by local civilians, worked continuously for more than 32 hours, motivating and providing on-site training to residents. Due to the brave, brazen and prompt efforts of the Fire and Rescue Service personnel in extinguishing the flames, there was no loss of life or property and the fire was prevented from spreading to other parts of the state.
Written by: Vaishali Verma
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