Odisha: The state government has taken a major step to provide relief to farmers affected by the recent heavy rains. The government has directed the concerned officials to immediately survey the crop damage caused by the rains and submit a report after assessing the losses.
State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Monday that all district administrations have been instructed to complete the survey of the affected areas as soon as possible and submit a detailed report to the state government. He stated that once the damage assessment is complete, the government will provide relief to the affected farmers.
The minister claimed that the state government will initiate the process of providing compensation to the affected farmers within 24 hours of the completion of the damage assessment.
Fear of Crop Damage Due to Heavy Rains
Recent heavy rains in many parts of Odisha have flooded fields. This is feared to impact Kharif crops.
Continuous rains in many areas have led to waterlogging in low-lying fields. Farmers fear the loss of crops, including paddy.
The government has stated that a ground-level survey is necessary to assess the actual damage. Only then will the number of affected farmers and the exact extent of the damage be known.
District administration teams will visit the affected areas to assess the condition of the fields, crop damage, and farmers’ problems.
High-Level Meeting on Baitarani River Water Level
Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari chaired a high-level meeting to review the rising water level in the Baitarani River and preparations to deal with a potential flood situation.
Officials from various state departments participated in the meeting. The current water level of the Baitarani River, potential flood-affected areas, and administrative preparedness were reviewed in detail.
According to the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, several important points regarding the flood situation were discussed in the meeting.
These included identification of potentially affected areas, review of the population living there, relief and rescue arrangements, and emergency preparedness.
Review of Relief and Rescue Arrangements
During the meeting, information was also sought on the preparedness measures taken by the district administration. Officials were asked about the arrangements made to evacuate people in the event of a flood.
In addition, the arrangements for relief camps, the facilities available there, and the availability of essential supplies for affected people were also discussed.
The government has instructed officials to ensure that there should be no delay in evacuating people to safety if needed.
The deployment of NDRF, ODRAF, and other relief teams for rescue operations was also reviewed.
A Monitoring of Potential Flood-Prone Areas
Following the rising water level of the Baitarani River, the administration is keeping a special watch on areas where the risk of flooding is high.
Officials have been instructed to maintain constant vigil in villages and low-lying areas along the river.
The local administration has been instructed to provide timely warnings to people and be prepared to evacuate them if necessary.
The government states that ensuring the safety of people will be the top priority in the event of a disaster.
Preparations to Provide Relief to Farmers
The state government has clarified that there will be no delay in providing relief to farmers. Compensation will be provided based on the losses after the survey is completed.
Officials have been instructed to maintain transparency in the survey process and ensure that assistance reaches the truly affected farmers.
In view of the farmers’ problems, the government has asked the district-level administration to be proactive.
Administration on alert for disaster management
Floods and waterlogging occur every year during the monsoon season in Odisha. In view of this, the state government already emphasizes disaster management preparations.
This time too, after heavy rains, the administration has instructed all relevant departments to remain on alert.
Emphasis has been placed on maintaining better coordination between the Revenue Department, Disaster Management Department, District Administration, Police, and relief agencies.
Government claims: Help will reach the affected people quickly
The Revenue Minister stated that the government’s priority is to provide relief to the affected farmers and the general public as quickly as possible.
He stated that compensation distribution will be expedited once the damage is accurately assessed.
The district administration has been instructed to complete the survey work. Further action will be taken in the coming days based on the rainfall and river water levels.
The Odisha government maintains that the administration is fully prepared to deal with any emergency and will provide all possible assistance to the affected people.
