Bhubaneswar, Nov 4 (UDN):The Odisha Chief Minister has announced a special relief and financial assistance package for people affected by the recent floods in the state. The assistance will cover farmers who have suffered crop losses, families whose houses have been damaged, affected households requiring essential food supplies, and small and large business establishments that have incurred losses due to the floods.
As per the announced relief package, farmers cultivating non-irrigated agricultural land will receive compensation of ₹8,500 per hectare, while those cultivating irrigated land will be provided ₹17,000 per hectare towards crop damage. Farmers growing perennial crops will receive financial assistance of ₹22,500 per hectare.
In addition to agricultural compensation, flood-affected families will receive 50 kilograms of rice and ₹2,500 in financial assistance to help them meet their immediate household requirements and recover from the difficulties caused by the floods.
The government has also announced financial assistance for families whose residential houses have been damaged. Households in plain areas whose houses have been damaged will receive ₹1.20 lakh, while families in hilly and mountainous areas will be eligible for assistance of ₹1.30 lakh.
To support people engaged in small-scale commercial activities, street vendors and temporary stall operators affected by the floods will receive ₹10,000 each. Meanwhile, larger commercial establishments that have suffered damage will be provided financial assistance of ₹25,000.
The Chief Minister further clarified that the assessment of the overall flood-related damage is still underway and has not yet been completed. Once the comprehensive damage assessment is finalised, the government may announce additional assistance based on the extent of losses and the requirements of the affected people.
The announced measures are aimed at providing immediate financial relief to flood-affected farmers, families, traders and business owners, while supporting their efforts to restore livelihoods, repair damaged houses and recover from the economic impact of the floods.