Will Odisha Govt Ensure Prompt Compensation for Flood Damage?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Timely compensation within 24 hours of reports.
- Immediate food aid for flood victims.
- Government's commitment to restoration efforts.
- Aerial surveys planned to assess damage.
- Improvement in flood situation as waters recede.
Bhubaneswar, July 28 (NationPress) - The Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, emphasized on Monday that the state government is committed to disbursing sufficient financial assistance for the destruction caused by the recent floods across various regions of Odisha within 24 hours upon receiving reports from collectors and secretaries of relevant departments.
“We have established a timeline to release financial support within 24 hours following the receipt of reports from district collectors and departmental secretaries. Additionally, we have engaged in discussions with the Chief Minister about conducting an aerial survey of the flood-impacted regions on Tuesday, contingent on favorable weather conditions,” stated Pujari.
The minister also mentioned his intention to visit several flood-hit zones during the damage assessment and compensation distribution to oversee the entire process. Pujari reassured that those who have incurred damages will assuredly receive the necessary compensation. Collectors from Jajpur, Balasore, Bhadrak, Keonjhar, and Sundargarh have been directed to provide cooked meals for individuals in shelters and dry food for those remaining in their homes in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, a senior official from the state water resources department reported on Monday that water levels in all major rivers in the state are retreating. The official noted that the water level in the Subarnarekha River, which faced flooding on Sunday, is also diminishing and is now below the danger threshold.
He further observed that the flood situation in Jajpur and Bhadrak districts improved on Tuesday, with floodwaters in low-lying areas expected to gradually recede. Fortunately, no breaches were reported on the Baitarani River during Sunday’s flooding. However, a breach did occur on the Jalaka River at Jambhira in Mayurbhanj district, and restoration efforts are currently underway.