Odisha seeks Rs 2,526 crore central aid for cyclone and flood relief
The state has also requested a Rs 10,000 crore special package to build resilient infrastructure in three districts.
The Odisha government has requested Rs 2,526 crore in preliminary central assistance for immediate relief and the reconstruction of infrastructure damaged by cyclone Arnab and subsequent floods, according to The New Indian Express.
The damage occurred in the Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal districts. Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil said on Thursday that the state is also seeking a Rs 10,000 crore special package to implement long-term solutions for recurring natural disasters in these areas.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi met with an eight-member central inter-ministerial team (IMT) at Lok Seva Bhawan to discuss the impact. Majhi told the team that cyclones, floods, and heatwaves frequently interrupt development in the state, and he urged for assistance to create permanent, disaster-resilient infrastructure.
Ravi Shankar, a joint secretary in the Home Ministry who led the IMT, noted extensive damage during field visits on November 3 and 4. In Ganjam district, floodwaters from the Rushikulya river left sand and silt on roads, houses, government offices, and agricultural land.
The central team observed damage to power infrastructure, bridges, canals, drinking water facilities, and livestock. Shankar highlighted the necessity of long-term desilting of the Rushikulya river to manage future issues.
The IMT stated that a full assessment of the damage will take seven to eight more days. The team advised district administrations to perform household surveys to ensure the loss assessment is accurate.