Odisha seeks Rs 2,526 crore central aid for cyclone and flood damage
The state has also requested a Rs 10,000 crore grant for long-term disaster-resilient infrastructure reconstruction.
The Odisha government has submitted a preliminary memorandum to the Centre seeking Rs 2,526 crore in financial relief following damage from Cyclone Arnab and subsequent flooding. According to Outlook, the natural calamity primarily devastated three southern districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal.
Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Rajesh P Patil told reporters that the state also requested a Rs 10,000 crore grant for long-term disaster-resilient infrastructure reconstruction. Patil stated the special grant is needed to rebuild irrigation facilities and other infrastructure damaged during the calamity.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi met with a visiting central team to discuss the situation. The team was led by Ravi Shankar, a joint secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and the meeting was chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg.
Majhi emphasised the need for permanent solutions to mitigate frequent natural disasters like floods, cyclones, and heat waves, which he said hinder the state's development. He highlighted the necessity for cyclone- and flood-resilient infrastructure.
The damage in Ganjam was a primary focus as the district was worst affected after the cyclone made landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28. In Ganjam, the Rushikulya River overflowed, depositing sand across agricultural land, roads, houses, and offices.
Ravi Shankar noted that while many houses did not collapse, they were left structurally weakened, suggesting a need for desilting the river. He said the team requires seven to eight days to finish a full assessment of the disaster's impact.