Bhubaneswar, Nov 4 (IANS) The Odisha government on Wednesday sanctioned more than Rs 107.70 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to provide immediate gratuitous relief assistance to families severely hit by Cyclone Arnab across Ganjam and Koraput districts.
The financial sanction comes directly in accordance with the comprehensive relief package announced by the Chief Minister to mitigate the hardship of affected populations.
A massive chunk of the financial package has been allocated to southern coastal areas where the cyclone caused extensive disruptions to daily life and normal livelihood activities.
According to official sources, out of the total sanctioned relief package, Rs 1,07,44,55,000 has been released exclusively for Ganjam district.
On the other hand, an amount of Rs 26,27,500 has been sanctioned for distribution among eligible beneficiaries in tribal-dominated Koraput district.
As per the relief criteria laid down under the state package, cash assistance of Rs 2,500 will be provided to each eligible family.
In Ganjam district alone, a total of 4,29,782 cyclone-affected families have been identified to receive this direct assistance.
Similarly, in Koraput district, 1,051 impacted families will be covered under this ex-gratia disbursement at the uniform rate of Rs 2,500 per household.
The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has already placed the sanctioned funds directly at the disposal of the Collectors of Ganjam and Koraput.
The district administrations have been directed to ensure smooth, transparent, and prompt disbursement of the cash relief to verified beneficiaries strictly adhering to standard disaster management guidelines.
Officials said the swift fund release reflects the state government’s commitment to providing immediate relief and restoring normalcy in cyclone-hit communities.
“This initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to ensuring timely financial assistance and relief to people affected by natural disasters, thereby providing immediate support to affected families during times of distress,” officials added.
Exceptional rainfall triggered by the severe cyclonic storm Arnab caused massive damage in several south Odisha districts, particularly in Ganjam, Koraput and Gajapati, etc.
–IANS
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