Naveen visits Phailin hit areas

With the state's power infrastructure badly hit due to cyclone Phailin, Odisha government today decided to immediately purchase some high- powered generators for water supply among the affected people, official sources said.
The decision was taken at a meeting after Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik returned from a visit to the cyclone hit Ganjam district.
"It will take some time to restore power in Ganjam district," Patnaik told reporters on his return.
Noting that relief and restoration work was the priority of the state government, he said he has requested the Centre to support the state government to restore power supply.

The Chief Minister was moved by the drinking water scarcity in the affected areas.
Patnaik has issued a direction to install high-power generators in both urban and rural areas to overcome problems of power during the calamities.

This apart, Patnaik also said the state government would soon request the Centre to enhance kerosene quota for the state due to electricity problems in the state.
As most of the affected people in Gopalpur area of Ganjam district were fishermen, Patnaik directed the officials to prepare a special package for the assistance of them.
This apart, government was planning one-time assistance for self-help groups affected by the cyclone.

Earlier, Patnaik met people at Gopalpur, Chhatrapur and Rangelunda area and saw the condition of Berhampur town, Chikiti, Hinjili and Kanisi from air.