Bhubaneswar: Odisha government today placed an additional demand of Rs 17,000 crore before the Centre as a part of a long-term strategy to build a ‘cyclone resilient’ infrastructure in the State.
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik today placed such demand before Prime Minister Narendra Modi who took stock of the damage caused by the extremely severe cyclonic storm ‘Fani’ which hit the State on May 3. Patnaik has also raked up the demand of special category State status for Odisha before the PM today.
Odisha Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with CM Naveen Patnaik conducted an aerial survey of the districts which have been severely affected by the cyclone.
A detailed presentation before the PM was made and Odisha has pressed for building cyclone resilient infrastructure (Electricity and Housing) as the state is prone to cyclones and other disasters.
Besides, the State has also requested for 5 lakh disaster resilient houses in coastal districts while the PM has sought a detailed plan in this regard, informed Padhi.
“All possible steps would be taken to repair the damage in infrastructure, power lines, farms among other areas. Have asked officials to ensure roads and railway lines are repaired at the earliest and our farmers get their crop insurance in the wake of the damage,” tweeted Modi.
In another tweet, Modi wrote, “I salute the courage and compassion of the people of Odisha, especially fishermen and those living in coastal areas. They paid heed to timely warnings and left no stone unturned in helping fellow citizens in these tough times. The entire nation is praying for their well-being.”
Apart from this, Odisha has urged public to donate to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for assisting in the ongoing relief and rehabilitation work in Cyclone Fani-affected districts.
People have been asked to donate into two bank accounts - AC NO-11109339165, IFSC Code- SBIN0010236; AC NO- 10566116417, IFSC Code- SBIN0006606 to help the State government in rebuilding Odisha.
Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama donated Rs 1,000,000 to Odisha CM Relif Fund for providing relief and rebuild operation after Cyclone Fani.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who donated a month’s salary to the CM Relief Fund, urged people to come forward and assist in the ongoing relief and rebuilding operations.