Odisha CM announces relief package for Cyclone Arnab victims
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi promised 50 kg of rice and Rs 2,500 to every family affected by the cyclone and floods.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday announced a special relief package for families impacted by Cyclone Arnab and recent flooding in southern districts, according to ThePrint. The package includes 50 kg of rice and Rs 2,500 in cash for every affected household.
The Chief Minister stated that people in districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal were affected by the cyclone and heavy rainfall. He told reporters that thousands of acres of crops and several houses have been damaged, though damage assessments are currently underway.
For farmers, Majhi announced an agriculture input subsidy of Rs 8,500 per hectare for rain-fed and non-irrigated areas if crop losses are 33 per cent or more. Areas under assured irrigation will receive Rs 17,000 per hectare, while perennial crops like cashew and mango will get Rs 22,500 per hectare.
The state will also give Rs 18,000 to each affected farmer to clear sand and silt from fields and provide 1.75 lakh free mini kits. For housing, the government will provide Rs 1.20 lakh for fully damaged houses in the plains and Rs 1.30 lakh in hilly areas.
Compensation of Rs 10,000 will be given to small shops, street vendors, and kiosks, while big commercial establishments will receive Rs 25,000. Fisherfolk will receive Rs 22,500 for boat purchases and Rs 15,000 for fishing nets.
Majhi said the relief package will be reviewed again after assessing damage once the current weather system passes. He expressed hope that normalcy would return to affected areas within one or two days.