Odisha’s Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management, Suresh Pujari, led a significant review meeting today at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) located in Rajiv Bhawan.
The Minister engaged in extensive discussions with Collectors from Gajapati, Nabarangpur, Koraput, Malkangiri, Baleshwar, Bhadrak, and Jajpur districts, instructing them to accelerate the compensation process for individuals impacted by the relentless rains and flooding.
During the session, Pujari revealed that approximately 28 districts in the state have experienced varying levels of impact due to persistent heavy rainfall and flooding this year. He noted that southern Odisha was particularly affected by rain linked to a recent Deep Depression.
To date, the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, alongside the Special Relief Commissioner’s Office, has distributed a total of Rs 241.37 crore as compensation to those affected. Recently allocated funds include Rs 5 crore for Nabarangpur district, Rs 2 crore each for Ganjam and Gajapati districts, and Rs 1 crore for Jharsuguda district.
Additionally, Pujari mentioned that Kendrapada district received Rs 16.04 crore, of which approximately Rs 11.21 crore has already been distributed. Jajpur district was allocated Rs 52.04 crore, with around Rs 33.80 crore disbursed. Bhadrak district has utilized Rs 43.28 crore from its Rs 64.54 crore allocation, while Baleshwar district has used approximately Rs 5.94 crore from Rs 26.92 crore provided.
Despite challenges posed by ongoing rainfall that hindered damage assessments, efforts to expedite compensation disbursement are underway. Minister Pujari assured that all districts would complete their compensation distributions in phases before Dussehra.
He commended the diligent efforts and commitment of district administrations in managing the flooding and rainfall effectively this year. Furthermore, Pujari announced plans for detailed discussions with Collectors, senior officials, subject-matter experts, and relevant institutions to enhance disaster-resilient infrastructure in the state, along with the implementation of necessary measures.
The meeting included the attendance of Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, Southern Division RDC Sangram Keshari Mahapatra, Additional SRC Padmanabha Behera, and senior departmental officials, with district Collectors participating via video conferencing.
