Odisha CM Announces Massive Relief Package for Cyclone Arnab Victims
CM Mohan Majhi unveils a comprehensive assistance package for families and farmers hit by Cyclone Arnab, including cash, rice, and crop subsidies.
In a decisive move to support those devastated by the fury of Cyclone Arnab assistance package and subsequent torrential rains, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a comprehensive special assistance scheme. The announcement came during a high-level review meeting at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) in Bhubaneswar, where the state administration is also bracing for the arrival of another cyclonic storm, Murasu.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the priority of the state government is to ensure that no affected family or farmer is left without support, particularly in the worst-hit districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal.
Immediate Relief for Affected Families
To address the immediate needs of the displaced and affected population, the state government has earmarked essential supplies and financial aid. Every affected family will be provided with:
- 50 kilograms of rice to ensure food security.
- Rs 2,500 in cash for urgent expenses.
- Rs 2,500 specifically for household items and utensils for those whose belongings were lost.
Comprehensive Support for Farmers
Recognizing the severe blow to the agricultural sector, CM Mohan Majhi detailed an "agricultural input subsidy" for farmers who suffered crop losses of 33 per cent or more. The compensation is structured based on the type of land and crop:
Crop Loss Compensation (33% or more loss)
- Irrigated Land: Rs 17,000 per hectare.
- Unirrigated Land: Rs 8,500 per hectare.
- Perennial Crops: Rs 22,500 per hectare.
Minimum Guaranteed Assistance
Even for those with lower loss percentages, the government has ensured a safety net with minimum assistance payments:
- Perennial Crops: Rs 2,500.
- Irrigated Land: Rs 2,000.
- Unirrigated Land: Rs 1,000.
Special Agricultural Provisions
Beyond direct cash transfers, the government is implementing several measures to revive farming activities:
- Land Recovery: An allocation of Rs 18,000 per hectare to clear sand and silt deposited on farmland.
- Seed Kits: Distribution of 1,20,000 pulse kits, 50,000 vegetable kits, and 5,000 oilseed kits.
- Sugarcane Support: Rs 27,500 per hectare for 2,000 hectares of affected sugarcane land.
- Pesticide Subsidy: Up to 75% subsidy on pesticides for the upcoming Rabi crop.
- Loan Relief: Short-term Kharif loans will be converted into medium-term loans to ease the financial burden on farmers.
Housing and Infrastructure Recovery
For families whose shelters were destroyed or severely damaged by the storm, the government has announced substantial grants for reconstruction:
- Plain Areas: Rs 1.20 lakh for completely destroyed or severely damaged homes.
- Hilly Areas: Rs 1.30 lakh for completely destroyed or severely damaged homes.
New Threat: Cyclone Murasu
While the state works to recover from Cyclone Arnab, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of a new threat. A deep depression has intensified into a cyclonic storm named Murasu over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal. The review meeting chaired by the CM also focused on precautionary measures and preparedness to mitigate the impact of this new storm.
To evaluate the extent of the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab, an eight-member Central Inter-Ministerial Team, led by Union Home Ministry Joint Secretary Ravi Shankar, is scheduled to visit Odisha from November 2 to 4.
The high-level meeting in Bhubaneswar was attended by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Additional Chief Secretary Arabinda Padhee, and IMD Bhubaneswar Director Manorama Mohanty, among other senior officials.