Bhubaneswar, November 19: Odisha's Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, has urged the central government to increase compensation for deaths caused by natural disasters, snakebites, drowning, and lightning strikes, stating that the current compensation is insufficient.

Pujari explained that while natural disasters like floods and cyclones are covered under the central disaster list, fatalities from incidents like snakebites and lightning are also included but receive uniform compensation across states, which the state government cannot modify. He confirmed that Odisha had previously submitted a request for an increase in compensation for such deaths.

In related news, the Supreme Court recently called on the central government to discuss raising compensation for snakebite, drowning, and lightning deaths. Currently set at Rs 4 lakh, the court has recommended increasing it to Rs 10 lakh. If approved, this change would apply nationwide. The court also highlighted the need for better access to anti-venom and treatments for snakebites in medical centers across India.