Bhubaneswar, Aug. 18 (UDN): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday announced a Rs 1,000 crore special relief package for people affected by the latest wave of flooding across the state.
Pic Credit: x.com/CMO_Odisha
The announcement came after the Chief Minister reviewed the flood situation in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Kendrapada districts. According to the preliminary assessment, nearly 9.40 lakh people have been affected by the current spell of flooding.
Pic Credit: x.com/CMO_Odisha
Majhi said the Rs 1,000 crore allocation has been made on the basis of an initial assessment and that additional funds would be released if required after detailed damage reports are received from the affected districts.
Focus on Farmers and Livelihood Recovery
A major component of the package is aimed at helping farmers recover from crop losses and restoring agricultural activities.
Small and marginal farmers whose crops have suffered 33 per cent or more damage will be eligible for agricultural input assistance of:
Rs 8,500 per hectare for non-irrigated land
Rs 17,000 per hectare for irrigated land
Rs 22,500 per hectare for perennial crops
Eligible farmers will receive financial assistance for purchasing paddy and non-paddy seeds through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
The government will also distribute free vegetable mini-kits, while a 75 per cent subsidy will be provided for measures to control post-flood diseases and pests.
Irrigation Infrastructure to Be Restored
The Chief Minister has directed officials to undertake repair and restoration of damaged irrigation projects on a war footing.
Assistance will also be extended to livestock owners, fishermen and farmers who have suffered losses. Support will be provided for damaged livestock, boats, fishing nets and ponds.
To ease the financial pressure on affected farmers, eligible short-term Kharif agricultural loans may be converted into medium-term loans under the relief measures.
Support for Artisans and Handloom Workers
The special package also covers people dependent on handicrafts and handloom-related activities.
Artisans and workers whose tools and equipment have been damaged in the floods will receive Rs 5,000, while an additional Rs 5,000 will be provided towards losses of raw materials or finished products.
Roads, Infrastructure and Immediate Relief
The state government will undertake temporary repairs of damaged roads and other critical infrastructure to restore connectivity at the earliest.
Permanent reconstruction and major restoration works will be taken up after detailed assessments determine the extent of damage.
Meanwhile, relief operations will continue in flood-affected areas, with authorities instructed to provide cooked food, dry food and relief rice until normal conditions return.
Flood-affected families will also receive financial assistance to purchase essential clothing and household utensils.
CM Orders Intensified Relief and Rehabilitation
Majhi said the latest flooding marks the second major spell of flooding in Odisha triggered by heavy rainfall.
He directed the administration to intensify rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations and ensure that assistance reaches affected families without delay.
The government is expected to undertake a detailed assessment of losses in the coming days, following which additional financial support may be announced wherever necessary.
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