Odisha Floods: Majhi Government Unveils Financial Relief for Affected Families

Following the Chief Minister’s orders, the government announced financial aid for flood-hit residents of Balasore district.

They will receive ₹1,20,000 to repair completely damaged homes. For partially damaged houses, ₹6,500 will be given for pucca houses, ₹4,000 for kutcha houses, ₹8,000 for damaged huts, and ₹3,000 for cowsheds.

Families whose homes were destroyed or submerged for two days will get ₹2,500 each for clothing and kitchenware.

To assist small and marginal farmers, the government will provide aid based on the type of land. They will receive ₹8,500 per hectare for non-irrigated areas, ₹17,000 for irrigated land, and ₹22,500 for perennial crops. This aid covers up to two hectares per farmer.

For farmers dealing with land damaged by sand deposition, ₹18,000 per hectare will be offered, with a minimum of ₹2,200. The same rate applies to repairing fish ponds.

In cases of severe agricultural damage from landslides or river shifts, farmers will receive ₹47,000 per hectare and at least ₹5,000 per farmer.

Fishermen will receive ₹6,000 for partially damaged boats and ₹3,000 for nets. For fully damaged boats and nets, they will get ₹15,000 and ₹4,000, respectively. Those with damaged fish seed farms will be compensated ₹10,000 per hectare.

The government has set the following compensation for domestic animals: ₹37,500 per cow, ₹4,000 per goat or sheep, ₹32,000 per pack animal, and ₹20,000 per calf, donkey, or mule. Each family can claim for up to three large dairy animals, 30 small dairy animals, or six small pack animals.

Rural artisans and handicraft workers will receive ₹5,000 each for equipment replacement.

On September 17, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi visited flood-affected areas in Balasore. He surveyed the damage in Baliapal and Bhograi blocks and reviewed the overall situation.

The government deployed eight fire brigades, three ODRAF teams, and one NDRF team to conduct rescue operations. Displaced people received cooked meals at shelters. Health care teams were also set up to prevent waterborne diseases.