Bhubaneswar, Oct 16: The Odisha government has directed district administrations to disburse all pending flood compensation to affected people within three days, aiming to speed up relief for families impacted by recent flooding and heavy rainfall.
Pic Credit: x.com/SRC_Odisha
The directive was issued following a review meeting chaired by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari at Rajiv Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.
According to the information shared at the meeting, nearly 28 districts were affected, with Balasore, Bhadrak and Jajpur reporting some of the most severe damage.
₹288.72 Crore Released for Relief Measures
The compensation drive forms part of the ₹1,000-crore relief package announced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has released ₹288.72 crore to support relief and compensation for various categories of losses, including crop and land damage, house repairs, household belongings and damaged fishing equipment.
The government has also allocated funds to six departments to undertake urgent restoration of damaged infrastructure.
District administrations have been instructed to expedite outstanding payments so that eligible flood-affected people receive assistance without further delay.
Focus on Waterlogging and Long-Term Solutions
Beyond immediate relief, the state government has also highlighted the need for long-term measures to tackle recurring waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall.
Minister Suresh Pujari said improved urban planning and durable measures would be introduced to address the problem and reduce the impact of intense rainfall on affected areas.
The focus is expected to extend beyond emergency response to strengthening infrastructure and improving preparedness for future weather-related challenges.
Districts Face Three-Day Deadline
The three-day deadline places the responsibility on district administrations to clear pending compensation claims promptly. The effectiveness of the directive will depend on timely verification, coordination among officials and the swift transfer of funds to eligible beneficiaries.
For families dealing with damaged homes, lost crops and other flood-related losses, the government’s instruction is intended to accelerate financial assistance and support recovery.