Bhubaneswar: With final phase of flood damage assessment underway in Odisha, the state government on Friday directed district authorities to expedite submission of final reports for timely distribution of compensation to the affected people.
Chairing a high-level meeting in Bhubaneswar, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh 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.
Stating that reports from most of the affected districts have already been received, he said a few districts where floodwaters are yet to fully recede have been asked to submit their assessments when conditions improve.
The Minister interacted with Collectors, district officials, Block Development Officers and Tehsildars of the affected areas, stressing the need for completing damage assessments without delay and accelerating compensation payments. He asked 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.
The Minister 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. Additional funds would be released, if required.
Notably,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 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 asked 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.
Similarly, 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.
Referring to 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.