Award Winners for Volume 16
Managing Disasters in a Compounding Scenario: A Case of Adaptive Governance in the State of Odisha, India
The study presents the success story of adaptive governance in managing compounding disasters. Adaptive governance helps address the challenges of compounding disasters through its approach, which entails flexibility, collaboration, and continuous learning. Odisha, one of the disaster hotspots states in India, has faced the wrath of many disasters, but the devastation caused by Super Cyclone 1999, which killed around 10,000 people, has been the most severe. Since then, the Government of Odisha has set an example to other states and countries to emulate its disaster management model. This article explores the success case of the Government of Odisha in dealing with compounding disasters through its adaptive governance model. The method consists of a desk review of its disaster management policies for the state and on-field discussions with a wide array of stakeholders ranging from government officials, international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs), nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), people representatives and communities for understanding measures, processes followed, and governance and its disaster model. The implications of this research will help other developing countries learn and replicate Odisha’s success story in dealing with compounding disasters.
The article "Managing Disasters in a Compounding Scenario: A Case of Adaptive Governance in the State of Odisha, India" presents a profound exploration into the success story of adaptive governance in managing the impact of compounding disasters, particularly focusing on the Odisha disaster management model. This research is of paramount significance to the field and our personal intellectual trajectory due to its contributions to the understanding and implementation of adaptive governance in disaster management.
The study indicates the critical role of adaptive governance, characterized by flexibility, collaboration, and continuous learning, in effectively addressing the challenges posed by compounding disasters. Through a proper understanding of Odisha's disaster management policies and on-field discussions with diverse stakeholders, the article sheds light on the measures, processes, and governance strategies that have propelled Odisha to emerge as a formidable force in disaster management.
The implications of this research extend far beyond the borders of Odisha, offering invaluable lessons for other developing countries grappling with compounding disasters. By elucidating the success case of Odisha's adaptive governance model, the article provides a blueprint for nations seeking to enhance their disaster resilience. The multifaceted approach adopted by Odisha, encompassing technology-centric disaster management, community engagement, and a zero-casualty ethos, serves as a beacon for creating a culture of prevention and preparedness.
The article's conclusion reinforces the link between adaptive governance and minimizing the negative impacts of disasters. The lessons derived from Odisha's experience emphasize a holistic approach and effective dissemination of warnings and provide a comprehensive framework for disaster management that transcends geographical boundaries.
As a researcher or practitioner in the field, this article significantly shapes our intellectual trajectory by offering insights into the nuanced interplay between governance models and disaster resilience. The success of Odisha's approach serves as a motivating example, urging us to explore innovative strategies, strengthen infrastructure, and consider the role of social protection systems in bolstering disaster resilience. Ultimately, the findings presented in this article contribute to the evolving discourse on adaptive governance and disaster management, offering tangible solutions that have the potential to save lives and transform communities worldwide.
—Souryabrata Mohapatra, Sumanta Banerjee