Bhubaneswar: Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari today directed officials to conduct a rapid assessment of damage caused by heavy rains and floods in Jharsuguda and Baragada districts and ensure early disbursal of government assistance and compensation to affected people.
The Minister today visited several flood-affected areas in both districts, took stock of the situation and interacted with locals to assess damage and their problems. He visited Sukhasoda and Similia villages under Lakhanpur tehsil in Brajarajnagar assembly constituency and reviewed the flood situation. He especially interacted with members of the fishing community and took note of damage to their fishing nets and boats.
On the occasion, the Minister directed the District Fisheries Officer to make an accurate assessment of damage to nets and boats and submit a report at the earliest. The Agriculture Officer concerned was asked to immediately submit a detailed report on crop damage, while the Tehsildar was directed to submit assessment reports on house damage. Pujari also visited Chikhili village under Ambabhona block of Bargarh district and Mahuli, Remta and Chikhili villages under Lakhanpur area and inspected flood damage.
The Minister issued strict instructions to Tehsildars and officers concerned to expedite preparation of crop damage reports and disbursement of compensation. He emphasized accurate assessment and immediate assistance to eligible beneficiaries.
He also directed concerned departments to immediately start repair and restoration of flood-affected roads and normalize traffic. Later, the Minister held a review meeting with senior officers at Jharsuguda Circuit House where crop damage, loss to fishermen, house damage and road damage were discussed in detail.
He directed senior officers to expedite damage assessment, report submission and compensation payment without delay and to take steps for immediate restoration of flood-hit infrastructure.
Baragada MP Pradeep Purohit, Bhatli MLA Irasish Acharya, Jharsuguda Collector Kunal Motiram Chavan, Bargarh Collector Aditya Goyal, Ambabhona Tehsildar and officers of various departments were present during the visit.
