Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Thursday reviewed the ongoing assessment of damage caused by recent floods and heavy rainfall, directing district administrations to expedite compensation payments to affected people through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

The review meeting was held at Lok Seva Bhawan with district collectors and senior officials from various departments. Pujari directed districts where floodwaters have not completely receded to submit their final damage reports as soon as the situation improves.

Around 23 districts were partially or extensively affected by the floods. According to reports received so far, 3,567 houses have been damaged and nearly 37,297 hectares of agricultural land have been affected. The figures are expected to increase after the final assessment is completed.

The minister said final reports from all districts are likely to be available within the next one to two days. District administrations have been instructed to begin compensation payments from the funds already provided for flood relief. Additional funds will be released by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department if required.

The state government has already provided ₹110 crore in assistance and authorised district administrations to directly transfer compensation to eligible beneficiaries. Districts have also been asked to prepare and submit a database of affected people to ensure timely payments.

Focus on Long-Term Flood Management

The meeting also reviewed flood management measures, including drainage challenges, simultaneous flooding in multiple rivers, the need for ring embankments and strengthening critical infrastructure.

Officials discussed repairs and long-term solutions for national highways and other roads frequently affected by floodwater. The minister said funds would be provided for strengthening vulnerable infrastructure based on district-level reports.

The government is also preparing a special framework for disaster-resilient infrastructure in consultation with experts, keeping climate change impacts in mind.

To address urban flooding and waterlogging, 10 urban areas are being considered for development as model cities with necessary financial support.

Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil and senior officials from the Water Resources, Agriculture, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Housing and Urban Development, Energy and other departments attended the meeting.

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