Odisha CM announces relief package for Cyclone Arnab victims
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi promised rice and cash for families affected by the cyclone and heavy rainfall.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a special assistance package on Sunday for families and farmers impacted by Cyclone Arnab and heavy rains, according to The Hindu and ANI. The relief measures target several districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal, where heavy rainfall and the cyclone have caused damage to houses and crops.
Every affected family will receive 50kg of rice and ₹2,500 in cash, the Chief Minister said. For those with houses completely destroyed, the government will provide ₹1.20 lakh in plain areas and ₹1.30 lakh in hilly regions. Partially damaged pucca houses will receive ₹6,500, while kutcha houses will get ₹4,000.
Farmers facing crop losses of 33 per cent or more will receive agricultural input subsidies. These include ₹8,500 per hectare for unirrigated land and ₹17,000 per hectare for irrigated land. For perennial crops like cashew and mango, the assistance is set at ₹22,500 per hectare.
The Chief Minister also stated that ₹18,000 will be provided to each affected farmer to clear sand and silt from fields. Additionally, the government will provide 1.75 lakh mini kits to farmers for free. Short-term Kharif loans will be converted into medium-term loans to assist the agricultural sector.
Other compensation includes ₹10,000 for small shops and kiosks, and ₹25,000 for larger commercial establishments. Fisherfolk will receive ₹22,500 for boat purchases and ₹15,000 for fishing nets. The relief package will be reviewed again after the assessment of damages following the passing of the current weather system.