Lucknow | In a major step towards strengthening disaster management mechanisms in Uttar Pradesh, a state-of-the-art State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) equipped with advanced technological systems will be established under the Uttar Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority.
On Monday, Relief Commissioner Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod held an important meeting with senior officials of the Odisha State Relief Department through video conferencing. The discussion focused on understanding the structure, functioning, and best practices of Odisha’s State Emergency Operations Centre, which is regarded as one of the most efficient models in the country. The meeting also deliberated on strategies to make the proposed SEOC in Uttar Pradesh more effective, modern, and responsive.
Detailed discussions were held on the management of both natural and man-made disasters, including cloudbursts, cold waves, droughts, earthquakes, floods, fire incidents, drowning cases, heatwaves, lightning strikes, and snakebite emergencies. Key aspects such as disaster forecasting, rapid response mechanisms, inter-departmental coordination, information management, resource availability, and community-level awareness were also extensively reviewed.
Officials from Odisha shared insights into their SEOC’s 24×7 operational system, IT-enabled decision support mechanisms, real-time data analysis, alert and early warning systems, and effective field-level coordination. These successful practices are being considered for implementation in Uttar Pradesh to further strengthen its disaster management framework.
The Relief Commissioner also presented suggestions related to technology integration, management systems, and capacity building, including standardised operating procedures (SOPs), regular training programmes, mock drills, and seamless integration of digital platforms.
At the conclusion of the meeting, it was decided that drawing from Odisha’s experience, Uttar Pradesh would establish a world-class, technologically advanced, and fully coordinated State Emergency Operations Centre capable of functioning efficiently before, during, and after disasters, thereby significantly reducing loss of life and property.
The meeting marked an important step towards strengthening inter-state cooperation in disaster management and paving the way for improved coordination and capacity building in the future. The Relief Commissioner further informed that similar studies would be conducted of SEOCs operating in Karnataka and Maharashtra. Based on best practices from these states, Uttar Pradesh’s SEOC will be designed and operated.
For technical guidance and implementation support, KPMG has been appointed as the Project Management Unit (PMU). Based on its recommendations and detailed studies, the SEOC in Uttar Pradesh will be constructed with cutting-edge equipment and advanced infrastructure, reinforcing the state’s preparedness and response capabilities.
