Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has stepped up food security measures for people stranded in marooned areas due to floods by providing additional rice under the Public Distribution System.
As floodwaters of swelling rivers inundated several low-lying areas, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Rajesh Prabhakar Patil on Thursday directed the Collectors of Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur and Kendrapada to assess their requirements and requisition extra rice immediately.
In a letter to the four district Collectors, the SRC said the situation has created an urgent need for supplementary food grain allocation in the affected blocks. Low-lying areas in many villages have been severely impacted and require immediate relief along with prompt distribution of rice.
As part of relief measures, community kitchens and emergency distribution measures have been activated. Supply of cooked meals at temporary shelters and distribution of rice at cut-off points will continue, particularly for people unable to reach their homes or access regular food supplies.
Under the relief arrangements, each adult will receive 1 kg of rice per day, while children below 12 years will be given 500 grams daily. The Collectors have been asked to assess the total quantity of rice required and the number of days for which supply will be needed, and communicate the demand to the state.
Officials said the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department has also been directed to ensure rice stocks are made available to the affected districts on a priority basis to prevent any delay. Officials said the relief measures will continue until the flood situation improves and displaced families return to their homes.