Drought-hit Odisha seeks Rs 1,687-cr Central grant

State wants to provide relief to people and undertake mitigation measures

Reeling under acute drought caused by scanty monsoon rains in most districts, the Odisha government has sought an interim assistance of Rs 1,687.56 crore from the Centre to provide relief to the people and also undertake mitigation measures.

The state government has asked for central assistance under six heads- agriculture input subsidy (Rs 416.27 crore), conversion of crop loans advanced during Kharif 2015 (Rs 912 crore), revival of minor irrigation projects (Rs 52.49 crore), provision of fodder/feed concentrate and strengthening of fodder resources (Rs 81 crore), gratuitous relief (Rs 200.35 crore) and emergency drinking water supply (Rs 24.78 crore).

"We have sought an interim assistance of Rs 1687.56 crore after the approval of the government. Previously, the government had declared crop loss in 139 blocks spread across 21 districts of the state. But as per reports received from the district collectors, 173 blocks in 25 districts have been hit by drought. Around 882,000 hectares of land have sustained crop loss of over 33%," said Special Relief Commissioner Pradipta K Mohapatra.

The drought has been affected 20484 villages, affecting a population of 15.1 million.

Crop cutting experiment for Kharif 2015 is underway. After the scientific crop loss assessment is over, the final position on drought would emerge on the basis of which the state government would submit a final/additional memorandum, if required.