Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has entered the final phase of assessing flood damage across the state, with Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari directing district administrations to expedite the submission of final reports and ensure timely distribution of compensation to affected families.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on Friday at Lokaseva Bhawan, Pujari held discussions with senior officials of various departments as well as Collectors through video conference to review the progress of flood damage assessment, relief measures and post-flood restoration. He said reports from most of the affected districts had already been received, while a few districts where floodwaters are yet to fully recede have been asked to submit their assessments as soon as conditions improve.
The Minister interacted with Collectors, district administrations, Block Development Officers and Tahsildars of the affected areas, emphasising the need for completing damage assessments without delay and accelerating compensation payments. He instructed district authorities to submit final reports promptly and disburse financial assistance from the funds already released by the state government.
According to the preliminary assessment, floods have partially or extensively affected nearly 23 districts. As of now, 3,567 houses have been reported damaged, while around 37,297 hectares of agricultural land have suffered losses. Officials said these figures are likely to increase after reports from the remaining areas are received.
Pujari said the government expects to receive complete district-wise data within the next one or two days. He directed Collectors to ensure immediate payment of compensation from the financial assistance sanctioned for flood relief. He also assured that additional funds would be released by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department if required.
The state government has already allocated Rs 110 crore for flood relief, authorising district administrations to directly distribute assistance to eligible beneficiaries. District authorities have also been asked to prepare a comprehensive database of affected persons and submit it to the department.
The review meeting also examined the broader flood management strategy, including the causes of this year’s simultaneous flooding in multiple river systems, drainage bottlenecks, the need for strengthening embankments and other infrastructure improvements.
The Works, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj departments were instructed to assess damage to national highways and other road infrastructure affected by flooding and submit detailed reports. Pujari said the Revenue and Disaster Management Department would provide financial support for restoration and strengthening of critical infrastructure after receiving the assessments.
The Energy, Women and Child Development, and Panchayati Raj departments, among others, have also been asked to submit sector-wise damage reports. The Minister said funding requirements for long-term restoration and reconstruction would be considered in the next state budget wherever necessary.
Highlighting the state’s long-term disaster management strategy, Pujari said Odisha is working towards developing climate-resilient infrastructure in view of the increasing challenges posed by climate change. The department is preparing a specialised draft framework in consultation with experts to strengthen disaster preparedness. Discussions are also underway to identify ten urban centres as model cities and provide dedicated financial support to address urban flooding and waterlogging.
The meeting was attended by Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department Shubha Sharma, senior secretaries of Agriculture, Rural Development, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts, Housing and Urban Development, besides officials from the Works and Energy departments, the National Highways Authority of India, the Special Relief Commissioner’s Office, the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority and other concerned agencies.
