Bhubaneswar, Nov 1 Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday announced a special package of 50 kg of rice and Rs 2,500 for every family affected by the recent rain and flood in the southern districts, besides damages for losses to crops and property due to Cyclone Arnab.
With another cyclonic storm expected to hit the coasts of Andhra Pradesh, the chief minister said the relief package will be reviewed again upon assessing damage after the weather system passes.
After reviewing the prevailing flood situation in the state in the evening, CM Majhi said people in several districts, especially Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal, were affected by cyclone Arnab and its aftermath of heavy rainfall.
Thousands of acres of crop and several houses have been damaged, he told reporters and pointed out that assessment of damage was underway while the primary task was relief distribution and restoration.
“I am hopeful that normalcy will return in affected areas in the next one or two days as the administration is taking all necessary measures,” he said.
The chief minister announced that all affected families will get 50 kg of rice and Rs 2,500 in cash.
Small and marginal farmers, who sustained crop loss of 33 per cent and above, will receive an agriculture input subsidy of Rs 8,500 per hectare of land in rain-fed and non-irrigated areas, while Rs 17,000 per hectare of land will be provided for areas under assured irrigation, he said.
Similarly, assistance for perennial crops like mango and cashew will be Rs 22,500 per hectare, the chief minister said, adding that a minimum agricultural input subsidy of Rs 2500 will be given to any affected farmer for perennial crops and Rs 1000 for non-irrigated areas.
“The government will provide Rs 18,000 to each affected farmer to remove sand and silt from the fields. The state will also provide 1.75 lakh mini kits to farmers for free,” he added.
Under the housing sector, he said assistance of Rs 1.20 lakh will be given for fully damaged houses in the plains, Rs 1.30 lakh in hilly areas, while Rs 6,500 and Rs 4,000 will be given for partially damaged pucca and kutcha houses, respectively.
Majhi said his government has decided to provide compensation of Rs 10,000 for affected small shops, street vendors and kiosks and Rs 25,000 for affected big shops and commercial establishments.
For fisherfolk, he announced assistance of Rs 22,500 for boat purchase and Rs 15,000 for fishing nets. Besides, financial assistance of up to 75 per cent at a rate of Rs 1.12 lakh per hectare will be distributed to affected fish farmers, Majhi added.
For the handicrafts and handloom sector, assistance of Rs 5000 will be distributed per artisan for replacement of equipment and Rs 5,000 per artisan for loss of raw material/goods in process/finished goods.
(PTI News)
