Berhampur: Ganjam Collector V Keerthi Vasan has warned officials against any negligence in flood damage assessment, relief distribution and restoration work, directing them to ensure that every genuinely affected person receives government assistance without delay.

The directive came during a preparatory and review meeting chaired by Southern Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) Bijay Amruta Kulange through OSWAN. The RDC instructed all Tahasildars to immediately begin assessing the damage caused by the recent floods and submit their reports at the earliest.

He stressed the need for accurate assessment, proper documentation and preservation of relevant information, including photographs, in every case. The Collector, meanwhile, asked officials to adopt a liberal and humane approach while assessing the damage and remain vigilant to ensure that no eligible beneficiary is left out of the assistance process.

He directed officials to complete village-wise assessments and prepare beneficiary lists without delay. Additional Revenue Amins and survey personnel will be deployed in areas requiring more manpower. The Collector said early completion of the exercise would facilitate the timely disbursement of compensation and other government assistance.

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Affected residents have been asked to submit their bank account details and necessary documents at the respective Tahasil offices.

For agricultural damage assessment, teams comprising 10 members each will be formed in every block. As many as 140 agricultural officers and staff deputed from other districts will assist in the exercise.

A Central Team is scheduled to visit Ganjam from Tuesday to assess the extent of flood damage. The Collector and other officials will accompany the team to affected areas, including Aska, Hinjilicut, Digapahandi and Purushottampur, which have reported severe damage.

The meeting also reviewed the restoration of essential services. TATA Power informed that electricity supply had been restored across the district except in Dharakote. Telecom operators said mobile network services had returned to normal in most areas, with five to six locations still facing disruptions. Officials were directed to ensure complete restoration at the earliest.

Reiterating that people’s hardships must remain the priority, the Collector said no laxity would be tolerated in relief, damage assessment or restoration work. He asked all departments to act promptly and discharge their responsibilities with utmost seriousness.