Bhubaneswar: Ahead of the upcoming Dussehra festivities, the Odisha government has stepped up relief efforts, directing officials to disburse compensation to all flood- and heavy-rain-affected families before the puja celebrations begin.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced that the compensation distribution process has been accelerated following a high-level review meeting with district collectors from Gajapati, Nabarangpur, Koraput, Malkangiri, Baleshwar, Bhadrak, and Jajpur. He emphasised that eligible beneficiaries will receive funds directly in their bank accounts as soon as final damage assessment reports are submitted.
This monsoon season, nearly 28 districts have suffered varying degrees of damage due to relentless heavy rainfall and multiple low-pressure systems. Over 10 low-pressure areas formed this year, with 5 intensifying into deep depressions. The extreme weather impacted more than 3.7 million people and damaged over 200,000 hectares of crops, with South Odisha bearing the brunt of the deep depressions.
To combat the crisis, the Revenue and Disaster Management Department and the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) have sanctioned a massive financial package. A total of Rs 241.37 crore has been allocated, alongside an additional Rs 20 crore specifically for South Odisha districts, bringing the total relief package to roughly Rs 261 crore.
District-wise Allocations:
- Bhadrak: Rs 64.54 crore (Rs 43.28 crore already distributed)
- Jajpur: Rs 52.04 crore (Rs 33.80 crore distributed)
- Baleshwar: Rs 26.92 crore
- Kendrapada: Rs 16.04 crore
- Nabarangpur: Rs 5 crore
- Ganjam & Gajapati: Rs 2 crore each
- Jharsuguda: Rs 1 crore
While recurring spells of rain have slightly delayed the final damage assessments, local administrations continue to distribute cooked food and dry rations. Water levels are steadily receding and are expected to clear completely within the next week.
Demonstrating zero tolerance for laxity during natural calamities, the government took swift disciplinary action by suspending Chandbali Block Development Officer (BDO) Sanjeeb Kumar Mahapatra for administrative negligence in flood management.
Part of the Chief Minister’s announced Rs 1,000-crore package, the current funds will cover crop loss, house damage, and other assistance via direct bank transfers and seed distribution. The administration is also prioritising road repairs, infrastructure restoration, and long-term disaster-resilient planning across affected regions.