Bhubaneswar: In the wake of the devastating floods that recently hit Balasore, the Odisha government has rolled out an extensive financial relief package to support the affected victims. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s office announced the comprehensive package, aimed at addressing both immediate and long-term needs of flood-impacted families, farmers, and artisans.
Financial Aid for House Repair and Reconstruction
To support those whose homes were destroyed or damaged by the floods, the government has declared varying levels of financial assistance. Families whose houses were completely destroyed will receive ₹1,20,000 for immediate reconstruction. Those with partially damaged concrete houses will get ₹6,500, while ₹4,000 will be allocated to families with damaged mud houses. For hut repairs, the assistance stands at ₹8,00. In addition, owners of damaged cowsheds will receive ₹3,000.
Families whose houses were either submerged or fully destroyed in the flood will also be granted ₹2,500 each for clothing and utensils.
Support for Farmers Facing Agricultural Losses
The flood damage to agricultural land has left small and marginal farmers in a dire situation. To help compensate for these losses, the government has introduced the following financial support measures:
- ₹8,500 per hectare for non-irrigated land
- ₹17,000 per hectare for irrigated land
- ₹22,500 per hectare for perennial crops
This assistance is limited to a maximum of two hectares per farmer. Additionally, farmers who have suffered from sand deposits on their land due to the flood will receive ₹18,000 per hectare, while fish pond owners can access up to ₹22,000 per hectare for repairs.
Furthermore, if agricultural land is severely impacted by landslides, erosion, or river course changes, farmers will be provided ₹47,000 per hectare as compensation.
Assistance for Fishermen
Fishermen, who have seen their livelihoods affected by the disaster, will also be covered under the relief package. Financial assistance includes:
- ₹6,000 for partially damaged boats
- ₹3,000 for partially damaged nets
- ₹15,000 for completely damaged boats
- ₹4,000 for completely damaged nets
In addition, those who operate fish seed farms will be granted ₹10,000 per hectare to cover the loss of fish seeds.
Livestock Owners and Dairy Farmers
Livestock farmers have also been severely impacted by the floods, and to ensure their recovery, the Odisha government will provide the following financial assistance:
- ₹37,500 for large dairy animals like cows (up to three animals per family)
- ₹4,000 per goat or sheep (up to 30 small animals per family)
- ₹32,000 for other large pack animals such as oxen, goats, and horses
- ₹20,000 for smaller animals including calves, donkeys, and mules
The aid is capped at three large dairy animals or 30 small dairy animals per household.
Aid for Artisans and Handicrafts Workers
Recognizing the crucial role artisans and craftsmen play in Odisha's economy, the government has also extended support to rural artisans affected by the flood. ₹5,000 will be provided to each artisan for damaged equipment, helping them restore their livelihoods.
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| Screen shot image from X/I& PR Department,Odisha |
Restoration of Public Infrastructure
In addition to individual relief, the Odisha government has announced plans to rebuild essential public infrastructure that has been damaged by the floods. Restoration work will cover critical areas such as:
- Roads and bridges
- Schools and health centers
- Electrical infrastructure (11KV LT Line)
- Drinking water supply systems
- Panchayat and youth centers
- Anganwadi centers
- Minor irrigation projects
The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) emphasized that financial aid will be disbursed to relevant departments once detailed damage reports are received from the concerned authorities.
Ensuring Swift Recovery and Long-Term Resilience
The Odisha government’s relief package is designed not only to provide immediate financial assistance but also to enable long-term recovery and resilience for affected families. With a focus on rebuilding homes, restoring agricultural productivity, and rehabilitating public infrastructure, the relief measures aim to bring stability back to flood-ravaged regions.
This comprehensive approach reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that all affected citizens, from small farmers to artisans and fishermen, are given the necessary support to rebuild their lives.
The CM’s office assured that the distribution of financial aid will be conducted swiftly, and efforts will continue to ensure the restoration of public assets and infrastructure to help the state recover from the impact of the floods.