RDC Reviews Flood Damage Assessment in Ganjam
Manoj Kanta Dash,Odishabarta
Emphasis on Prompt and Transparent Assessment of Losses and Timely Government Assistance to Affected People
Chhatrapur, November 4: A review meeting on the assessment of damage caused by floods following Cyclone ‘Arnab’ in Ganjam district was held at the Sadbhavana Conference Hall of the District Collector’s Office on Wednesday evening under the chairmanship of Southern Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) Bijay Amruta Kulange.
In the presence of District Collector V. Keerthi Vasan, the meeting reviewed in detail the progress of damage assessment being undertaken by various departments, submission of assessment reports and the provision of government assistance to affected people. The RDC stressed the need for accurate assessment of losses and timely disbursement of government assistance to the affected beneficiaries as per prescribed norms.
The RDC directed every department to maintain accurate daily records of the extent of damage assessed and ensure regular reviews by senior departmental officers so that assessment reports could be submitted at the earliest.
Regarding damage assessment of schools and Anganwadi centres, block-level engineers were instructed to visit each institution and assess the extent of damage. They were also asked to conduct technical inspections to determine whether the damaged buildings could be repaired and submit the necessary certificates. Similarly, CDPOs were directed to visit all Anganwadi centres and examine the damage caused.
The RDC advised that extensive cleaning and restoration work be undertaken in schools and Anganwadi centres with the cooperation of teachers, staff, parents, management committees and local residents to restore normal conditions at the earliest.
To maintain transparency and impartiality in the damage assessment process, special teams will be constituted to verify the accuracy of the assessments. These teams will visit different affected areas and cross-check the assessment reports. If necessary, the assessment and assistance process would be taken up on a pilot basis in one panchayat in accordance with government norms. If the exercise proves successful, the same procedure may be replicated in other areas.
During the meeting, the RDC sought department-wise details of the difficulties being faced in the damage assessment process. He offered necessary suggestions for their prompt resolution and directed officials to ensure proper inter-departmental coordination to expedite the work. Special emphasis was also laid on providing government assistance at the earliest to farmers and traders affected by the floods.
Appreciating the dedication and sense of responsibility demonstrated by officers and employees during the cyclone and subsequent floods, the RDC commended their efforts. He called upon them to continue the same spirit of commitment, dedication and coordination
and actively involve local communities in relief and restoration activities.
The meeting also emphasised the doorstep delivery of 50 kg of rice being provided by the government to every affected family.
The District Supply Department was instructed to arrange transportation, including tractors wherever necessary, to ensure the delivery of rice to beneficiaries in remote areas.
Based on Aadhaar-linked data of more than four lakh ration cardholders in the district, officials were directed to ensure that assistance reached all eligible beneficiaries accurately. The meeting also instructed officials to expedite the process of transferring the financial assistance of Rs. 2,500, announced by the Chief Minister, directly into the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Among those present at the meeting were Additional District Collectors Sachidananda Nayak, Debadatta Panda and Sunil Kumar Kerketa; Chief Development Officer of the Zilla Parishad Sameer Kumar Jena; Berhampur Sub-Collector Abinash Kumar; besides senior officers from various departments and senior administrative officials deployed in the district.
