The Special Relief Commissioner’s office in Odisha has allocated ₹10 crore to four districts that have suffered significantly due to recent heavy rainfall and flooding, emphasizing the need for prompt distribution to affected families.
In a communication today, Additional Special Relief Commissioner Padmanav Behera notified the collectors of Ganjam, Gajapati, Nabarangpur, and Jharsuguda that the funds are designated for three specific categories: assistance for housing reconstruction, compensation for crop losses, and expenses related to relief camps.
Nabarangpur, which experienced some of the most severe rainfall and extensive waterlogging following the opening of the Indravati reservoir gates, has been allocated ₹5 crore, the largest portion of the funding. Ganjam and Gajapati, both of which faced flash floods, structural damages, and large-scale evacuations, will each receive ₹2 crore. Jharsuguda has been allotted ₹1 crore.
The letter also references previous directives sent on September 28 and instructs collectors to adhere to established guidelines when distributing the relief funds. They are also required to submit reports on how the funds are utilized back to the Special Relief Commissioner’s office.
This financial aid comes as Odisha confronts the consequences of a severe depression that caused heavy rainfall across its southern and western regions. Tentulikhunti in Nabarangpur recorded nearly 400 mm of rain within a single day. Many villages in Ganjam and Gajapati faced isolation, necessitating evacuations of pregnant women via boat, alongside widespread damage to crops and temporary housing. Relief camps have been operational for several days.
State officials have evacuated over 100,000 individuals across Odisha during this recent flooding episode. This allocation of ₹10 crore serves as an immediate response for the four most affected districts, rather than a comprehensive compensation package, as broader assessments of agricultural and housing damages are still ongoing.
Collectors have been instructed to prioritize the disbursement process so that families whose homes were impacted or whose agricultural lands were flooded can receive necessary assistance without delay.
