By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR/KOLKATA: Take a close look at these two photos. One taken in Bhubaneswar ruled by Naveen Patnaik and another taken in Kolkata, ruled by Mamata Banerjee, both States ruled by Non-BJP Parties. Occasion was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Odisha and West Bengal visit, and judge, who is best and why?. One Chief Minister Didi never attended the meet while another Chief Minister Patnaik, shown his statesmanship once again by not demanding any immediate help due to COVID-19 crisis. Even though, Prime Minister Modi announced Rs 500 Crore each to Odisha and West Bengal, Naveen Patnaik reiterated his commitment for cooperative federalism during PM’s visit.
“Sought assistance for long term measures to make #Odisha disaster resilient as we are frequented by such climate hazards every year. Highlighted #Odisha’s demand for disaster resilient power infrastructure and resilient coastal protection with storm surge resilient embankments,” Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik tweeted @Naveen_Odisha.
“What examples of statesmanship? First, supplying oxygen all over the country & now, managing the immediate post-YAAS relief through state’s own resources- both in larger interest of the country as a whole, not just Odisha. In true spirit of Jagannath culture, वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम ।. #Odisha has been ravaged by severe cyclones 6 times in last 2 1/2 yrs, 126 times in last 100 yrs. @Naveen_Odisha rightly recognised need to put a permanent stop to this. So, disaster resilient power infrastructure & storm surge protection systems! Taking MITIGATION to next level!,” BJD Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Amar Patnaik tweeted @Amar4Odisha.
On Friday, 28th May 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Odisha & West Bengal to review the situation arising out of Cyclone Yaas. He undertook an aerial survey of the cyclone affected areas in Bhadrak and Baleswar districts of Odisha, and Purba Medinipur in West Bengal.
In Bhubaneswar, the Prime Minister chaired a meeting to review the relief and rehabilitation measures being undertaken.The Prime Minister was briefed that maximum damage due to Cyclone Yaas happened in Odisha, and some parts of West Bengal and Jharkhand have also been affected.
Shri Modi announced a financial assistance of Rs 1000 crore for immediate relief activities. Rs 500 crore would be immediately given to Odisha. Another Rs 500 crores has been announced for West Bengal and Jharkhand, which will be released on the basis of the damage. The Union Government will deploy an Inter-Ministerial Team to visit the states to assess the extent of damage, based on which further assistance will be given.
Prime Minister assured the people of Odisha, West Bengal and Jharkhand that the Union Government would closely work with the State Governments at this difficult time, extend all possible assistance for restoration and rebuilding of the infrastructure in the affected areas.
Prime Minister expressed his complete solidarity with all those who suffered due to the cyclone and expressed deep sorrow to the families who have lost their kin during the calamity.He announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the seriously injured in the cyclone.
PM said that we have to continue the focus towards more scientific management of disasters. As the frequency and impact of cyclonic systems are increasing in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, communication systems, mitigation efforts and preparedness have to undergo a major change. He also spoke about the importance of building trust among people for better cooperation in relief efforts.
PM Modi appreciated the preparedness and disaster management activities by the Government of Odisha which has resulted in minimal loss of lives. He also noted that the state has embarked on long term mitigation efforts for dealing with such natural disasters.
He also mentioned that Disaster Mitigation has been given emphasis by the Finance Commission too by provisioning for mitigation funds to the tune of Rs. 30,000 crore.
