States » EastPosted at: Nov 5 2026 7:04PM


Odisha seeks Rs.2,526 Crore central Aid for Cyclone Arnab, flood damage; asks for Rs.10,000 crore for resilient infrastructure

Bhubaneswar, Nov 5 (UNI) The Odisha government has sought central financial assistance of Rs.2,526 crore to address extensive damage caused by Cyclone Arnab and subsequent floods in the state's southern districts, particularly Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal.
In addition to the immediate relief and restoration package, the state has requested a special assistance of Rs.10,000 crore for long-term reconstruction and the development of disaster-resilient infrastructure to protect vulnerable areas from recurring natural calamities.
The demands were placed before an eight-member Inter-Ministerial Central Team, led by Ravi Shankar, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, which visited cyclone- and flood-affected areas of Gajapati and Ganjam districts to assess the extent of the damage.
The Odisha government submitted a preliminary memorandum to the team during a review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Rajesh Prabhakar Patil said the preliminary damage assessment had put the losses at Rs.2,526 crore. The estimate covers damage to agriculture and crops, irrigation facilities, roads, bridges, electricity infrastructure and water resources, mainly across Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts.
Patil said the state government would submit a final memorandum within 7–12 days after completing a comprehensive assessment and field-level verification of the damage.
The central team held detailed discussions with senior state government officials following its field visits to some of the worst-affected areas of Ganjam and Gajapati districts.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi urged the visiting team to recommend adequate central assistance for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction in the cyclone- and flood-hit areas. He also emphasised the need for long-term interventions to minimise the recurring impact of natural disasters on the state.
Pointing out that Odisha remains highly vulnerable to cyclones, floods and heatwaves, Majhi said such calamities not only cause extensive damage to lives and property but also repeatedly disrupt the state's development activities.
He asked the central team to highlight in its assessment report the urgency of financial assistance for immediate relief and reconstruction, alongside recommendations for permanent and sustainable measures to reduce disaster-related risks.
Stressing the importance of disaster-resilient infrastructure, the Chief Minister said Odisha needed stronger long-term protective measures, particularly against cyclones and floods. Such investments, he said, would provide lasting security to vulnerable communities and ensure that development activities were not repeatedly derailed by natural calamities.
Meanwhile, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari briefed the central team on the scale of destruction and the steps taken by the state government to manage the situation and provide relief to affected people.
The Inter-Ministerial Central Team has urged the state government to conduct a comprehensive door-to-door survey to ensure an accurate assessment of damage caused by Cyclone Arnab and the subsequent floods across the state.
The team also indicated that the Centre would consider financial assistance for rebuilding damaged infrastructure, strengthening river embankments and restoring essential public facilities.
The Odisha government has already released Rs.107.7 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to provide immediate cash assistance to flood-affected people.
The state's preliminary demand for Rs.2,526 crore, along with the additional request for Rs.10,000 crore for long-term infrastructure development, is aimed at addressing both the immediate consequences of the disaster and Odisha's broader vulnerability to recurring extreme weather events.
UNI DP
Tags: #Odisha seeks Rs.2#526 Crore central Aid for Cyclone Arnab# flood damage; asks for Rs.10#000 crore for resilient infrastructure
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