Bhubaneswar: Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Thursday directed officials to disburse the remaining flood damage compensation within 72 hours, following a review of relief measures and damage assessment across the state.
At a review meeting with departmental officials and district Collectors at Rajiv Bhawan here, Pujari assessed the progress of compensation distribution and post-flood restoration work.
The state witnessed 12 low-pressure systems this year, six of which intensified into depressions, causing widespread damage across nearly 28 districts. Baleshwar, Bhadrak and Jajpur were among the worst-affected districts, while other parts of the state also reported varying degrees of damage.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had announced a ₹1,000-crore compensation package for flood-affected areas. The relief covers damage to agricultural land and crops, houses, household belongings, boats, fishing nets and other assets.
The Special Relief Commissioner has released ₹288.72 crore for relief camp management, house repairs, agricultural assistance and other compensation measures, the statement said.
Although October 10 was set as the deadline for ensuring compensation reached affected people, distribution has been completed in almost all districts. The Minister directed officials to settle the remaining cases within the next three days.
Funds have also been allocated to various departments, including Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Energy, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Water Resources, Housing and Urban Development, and Forest, Environment and Climate Change, for repairs and restoration. The departments have begun the necessary work.
Pujari said comprehensive measures would be undertaken to minimise the impact of heavy rainfall and tackle urban flooding in the coming days.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil and other senior officials attended the meeting. Collectors and senior district-level officers joined virtually.
