• Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) and Lunglei Fire Station (LFS) in Mizoram were selected for the prestigious Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar-2023 for their excellent work in Disaster Management.

• Both were selected under the institutional category. 

• Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskaar was conceived in the year 2018-19.

• The Centre has instituted the award to recognise and honour the invaluable contribution and selfless service rendered by individuals and organisations in India in the field of disaster management.

• The award is announced every year on January 23, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 51 lakh and a certificate in case of an institution and Rs 5 lakh and a certificate in case of an individual.

• For award of the year 2023, the government had received 274 valid nominations from institutions and individuals.

Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA)

• Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), was established in 1999 in the aftermath of the Super Cyclone.

• OSDMA embarked on multiple initiatives including raising of the Odisha Disaster Response Action Force (ODRAF), Multi-hazard Early Warning Service (MHEWS) framework, and a cutting-edge technology-enabled web/smartphone-based platform called “SATARK” (System for Assessing, Tracking, and Alerting Disaster Risk Information based on Dynamic Risk Knowledge).

• OSDMA provided effective response during various cyclones, Hudhud (2014), Fani (2019), Amphan (2020) and Odisha floods (2020). 

• OSDMA conducted disaster preparedness initiatives in building community resilience in 381 tsunami prone villages/wards and 879 multi-purpose cyclone/ flood shelters located within 1.5 km from the coastline.

Lunglei Fire Station, Mizoram

• The Lunglei Fire Station responded efficiently and effectively to a massive forest fire which was reported on April 24, 2021 in the uninhabited forest areas that surrounded Lunglei town and spread to more than 10 village council areas.

• The Lunglei Fire Station personnel assisted by locals worked continuously for more than 32 hours during which they motivated and provided on-the-spot training to residents.

• Due to the valiant, brazen and prompt efforts of fire and emergency staff in putting out the flames, there was no loss to life and property and the spread of fire to other parts of the state was prevented.

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