Members belonging to both Opposition and ruling parties on Monday expressed concern over the “faulty” list of houses damaged in Cyclone Fani and urged the Government to prepare a list afresh and ensure that no affected person is left out of Government assistance.
Initiating discussion on a related Adjournment Motion, BJP member Bishnu Charan Sethi alleged that the Government has completely failed in restoration and rehabilitation works in the aftermath of the Cyclone even as the Prime Minister announced assistances and released funds promptly. He said many villages have not yet to electricity, drinking water and other basic amenities. Affected farmers have not been compensated. The Government should prepare a proper house damage list and provide support to all affected persons irrespective of their party affiliations.
Congress MLA Suresh Chandra Routray criticised both the Union Government and the State Government for “failing” to provide support to Fani-affected people of the State.
“It is disappointing that the Union Government has so far givenRs 778 crore to the State as cyclone assistance. It is also very shocking that the State Government has failed in preparing an accurate house damage report for which many affected poor people will be deprived of Government support,” alleged Routray. He demanded that Government soon repair school, college and hospital buildings soon.
BJP MLA Jayant Kumar Sarangi alleged that many families in Puri Sadar block have been deprived of getting Government support while electricity is yet to be restored fully in the district. He demanded that transparency be maintained in preparation of house damage list so that all affected people would get Government assistance.
Mahammad Muquim (Cong) and Sukant Kumar Nayak (BJP) alleged that the Government has failed in restoration and relief works.
Hailing the Government for undertaking restoration and relief works, BJD MLA Pradeep Maharathy said that the house damage list prepared in Puri district has not included real affected persons and many ineligible persons have been included. Stating that he and three MLAs of Puri district have brought it to the notice of the Chief Minister, Maharathy demanded the house damage report be prepared afresh.
BJD members Umakant Samantray (BJD) and Anant Narayan Jena (BJD) refuted the opposition charges stating that the State Government has already praised by the Prime Minister and the United Nation.
In his response, Revenue and Disaster Minster Sudam Marndi said the Government had evacuated 15,57,170 people on a time bound manner before the cyclone hit the State.
He said the Govenment has taken all possible measures in providing relief to all affected people.
The Government has released Rs 50 crore for payment of compensation of Rs 500 for each damaged coconut tree. He assured the House that he would look into the members allegations and ensure that no affected person is left out of getting assistance for house damage.