Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday announced a special Rs 1,000 crore relief package for flood-affected areas of the state, with nearly 9.40 lakh people impacted by the latest spell of flooding.
Majhi announced the package after reviewing the flood situation in Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, Kendujhar and Kendrapada districts. He said the amount was based on a preliminary assessment and additional funds would be released, if required, after detailed damage assessments are received from the affected districts.
“This Rs 1,000 crore package has been announced based on the preliminary estimation. Additional funds will be provided if required after receiving the detailed damage assessment from the flood-hit districts,” the chief minister told reporters.
The package focuses on agricultural recovery, restoration of irrigation infrastructure, assistance to people who have lost livelihoods and immediate relief for affected families.
Under the special package, small and marginal farmers suffering crop loss of 33 per cent or more will receive agricultural input subsidy of Rs 8,500 per hectare for non-irrigated land, Rs 17,000 per hectare for irrigated land and Rs 22,500 per hectare for perennial crops.
Financial assistance for purchasing paddy and non-paddy seeds will be transferred directly to eligible farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Affected farmers will also receive free vegetable mini-kits, while a 75 per cent subsidy will be provided for post-flood disease and pest management.
The government has also ordered restoration and repair of damaged irrigation projects on a war footing. Livestock owners, fishermen and farmers will be provided assistance for livestock losses and for repairing damaged boats, fishing nets and ponds.
For farmers willing to avail the provision, short-term Kharif agricultural loans will be converted into medium-term loans to provide additional financial relief following the crop losses.
The package also covers the handicraft and handloom sectors. Artisans and workers whose tools and equipment have been damaged will receive Rs 5,000, while another Rs 5,000 will be provided for loss of raw materials or finished goods.
The government will undertake temporary repairs of damaged roads and other infrastructure immediately. Funds for permanent reconstruction will be provided after a detailed assessment of the damage, the chief minister said.
Relief operations will continue in the affected areas, with cooked food, dry food and relief rice to be distributed until the situation returns to normal. Flood-hit families will also receive financial assistance to purchase essential clothing and utensils.
Majhi said the latest flooding was the second major spell to hit Odisha due to heavy rainfall. He directed officials to scale up rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations across the affected areas and ensure that all possible assistance reaches distressed people.
