Disaster death: Victims' families to get `4l now

The State Government on Tuesday announced ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh to families  of those who die in any specific disasters like lightning, whirlwind, tornado, heavy rain, boat accident drowning and snakebite.

Though heatwave is a State specific disaster, yet anybody dies due to sunstroke would not come under the ex-gratia, informed an official release. The Government had named the aforesaid disasters as State specific disasters on April 1, 2015.

The decision of ex gratia to disaster victims’ families was taken at the State-level Natural Disaster Committee Meeting held under chairmanship of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the State Secretariat.

The Chief Minister directed all the departments, especially Water Resources, to remain prepared with a contingency plan to tackle possible disasters. He asked officials to take feedback from people living in vulnerable areas while preparing for possible floods.

The Water Resources Department informed the meeting that as many as 

241 weak and vulnerable points have been identified on different river embankments out of which 14 are considered critical.

Referring to IMD prediction of deficient rainfall, Patnaik said the Agriculture Department would have to make necessary crop planning for farmers in the event of possible drought.

He advised that the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) as well as the Fire Service must be in readiness to undertake rescue and relief operations during floods. He also asked officials to ensure deployment of National Disaster Response Force during the floods.

The Chief Minister said provision for supply of cattle feed, arrangements for supply of drinking water, health and hygiene should be made ready to combat the situation.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Bijayshree Routray, Cooperation Minister Dr Damodar Rout, Finance Minister Pradeep Kumar Amat, leader of Opposition in State Assembly Narasingha Mishra and other Ministers, MPs, MlAs and Secretaries of various departments were present.