Odisha announces ₹1,000-crore aid for flood-hit areas

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Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inspecting the flood-affected areas of Jajpur. | Photo Credit: @MohanMOdisha X

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday announced a ₹1,000-crore relief package for people affected by floods in six districts, with additional funds to be released after a detailed assessment of the damage.

The second spell of flooding has affected nearly 9.40 lakh people in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Kendrapara districts, Mr. Majhi said. “More than 3.70 lakh people have been moved to safer locations and 550 relief camps have been opened to provide cooked food. Free kitchens will continue until the situation improves,” he said during a press conference.

Mr. Majhi said Odisha has received around 1,100 mm of rain since June, 34% above normal. “This amount of rainfall is the highest in Odisha over a period of 25 years,” he said, attributing the flooding to the unusually heavy rainfall after the State had expected scant rain because of the El Niño weather pattern.

At least six persons were killed in the first spell of floods, while the government is yet to confirm the toll in the latest flooding. Mr. Majhi said around 100 people had suffered snakebites in the affected areas, but all survived.

Under the relief package, small and marginal farmers whose crops have suffered 33% or more damage will receive agricultural input subsidy for up to two hectares — ₹8,500 per hectare for non-irrigated land, ₹17,000 for irrigated land and ₹22,500 for perennial crops.

Affected farmers will also receive assistance through direct benefit transfer to buy paddy and non-paddy seeds, while vegetable mini-kits will be supplied free of cost. A 75% subsidy will be provided for post-flood pest and disease management. Lift irrigation projects damaged in the floods will be repaired.

The State government will provide compensation for livestock losses and damage to boats and fishing nets. Short-term kharif agricultural loans will be converted into medium-term loans for willing farmers.

The government will also provide ₹5,000 each to artisans and weavers for replacing damaged tools and for losses of raw materials and finished products.

“₹1,000-crore package is based on the preliminary estimation, and additional funds would be provided if required after getting the detailed damage assessment from the flood-hit districts,” the Chief Minister said.

The government has, meanwhile, deployed 45 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force teams, eight National Disaster Response Force teams and 65 Fire Services teams for rescue and relief operations. (With inputs from PTI)

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