By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR:In view of the flood situation in various districts of the state due to the low pressure formed in the Bay of Bengal, the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi has directed to intensify relief, rescue and reconstruction operations in the affected areas. The Chief Minister has announced a ten-point special package of Rs. 1000 crore to review the situation in the flood-affected areas and provide all possible assistance to the affected citizens.
Ten-point special package:
Small and marginal farmers whose crops have been damaged by 33% or more will be provided with agricultural input subsidy of ₹8,500 per hectare in irrigated areas, ₹17,000 in irrigated areas and ₹22,500 for perennial crops.
Special financial assistance will be transferred to the accounts of affected farmers through DBT for the purchase of paddy and non-paddy seeds.
Free vegetable mini-kits will be provided to affected farmers and a 75% subsidy will be provided for post-flood pest and disease management.
Restoration and repair of damaged irrigation projects will be ensured on a wartime basis.
Fishermen and farmers will be provided assistance to restore damaged boats, nets, and ponds, along with compensation for livestock.
Short-term Kharif agricultural loans of willing farmers will be converted into medium-term loans.
In the handicrafts and handloom sector, assistance of ₹5,000 will be provided for damaged tools and equipment and ₹5,000 for loss of raw materials/finished goods.
Necessary funds will be provided for permanent reconstruction after the final assessment, along with temporary repairs to roads and infrastructure.
Relief rice distribution along with cooked and dry food will continue in all affected areas until the situation normalizes.
Financial assistance will be provided to the affected families for the purchase of essential clothing, household items and cushions.
Restoring the status quo in the flood-affected areas and providing full assistance to the citizens is the top priority of the State Government. The Chief Minister said that this assistance amount can be further expanded as per the requirement after the final assessment.
