Odisha Demands Rs 1,100 Cr Assistance for Flood Damage to Central Team

Bhubaneswar: After completion of the field visit, the Central team, which was on a tour to flood affected districts of Odisha, today discussed with senior officials of the State Government here at Lok Seva Bhawan.

At a high level meeting with Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy, Special Relief Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Jena and other senior officials, the State Government has presented a detailed report of damage, response, relief and evacuation was presented before the Central team.

During the meeting, it was informed that 33% of agriculture and crop have been damaged in 2.25 lakh hectares of land in the recent floods.

Over 25.80 lakh people in 18 districts were effected in the flood.

Similarly about 1.20 houses have suffered damages to various degrees apart from extensive damage to embankments, roads, public infrastructure have also been damaged.

While 30 person had lost their life, 8.59 lakh animals were badly affected due to flood.

The state government further demanded Rs 1,100 crore assistance.

While praising the efforts of the State Government, the Central team agreed to the suggestion to consider providing financial aid to the state not only in response as per SDRF norm but also include mitigation measures like strengthening of embankments, construction of new embankments, disaster resilient housing support against damaged houses and other resilient infrastructure.

The central team also appreciated the state’s approach to disaster management and new approach of seeking assistance from the Central Government on mitigation measures.

Praveen Vasisth, the team leader of the Central team was accompanied by Virendra Singh, Amripal Singh, Saswat Mohapatra and SS Modi during the two-day Odisha visit.