Bhubaneswar, October 2: The Odisha government has initiated the damage assessment in rain- and flood-affected districts and will ensure that compensation is disbursed before Dussehra, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Friday.
Pujari directed all concerned departments, officials and district administrations to complete and submit detailed damage assessment reports by October 10, paving the way for the release of the remaining compensation.
The Minister said Rs 261 crore has already been disbursed in the first phase, including Rs 20 crore for South Odisha. The remaining compensation will be released after the detailed damage reports are received, he added.
“Negligence by government officials during a natural disaster is unpardonable,” Pujari said.
The Minister also expressed gratitude to personnel involved in the flood response, including ASHA and Anganwadi workers, NDRF and ODRAF personnel, and government officials and staff, for their efforts in managing the situation and assisting affected communities.
