Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced an assistance of ₹1,000 crore to Odisha for carrying out restoration work in the cyclone-hit regions.

After an aerial survey, Mr. Modi said, “The Naveen Patnaik-led government has done a commendable job in evacuating the coastal areas to avoid loss of lives.”

He also held a meeting with senior officers of the State and the Central government at the Biju Patnaik International Airport.

Odisha seeks ₹10,000 cr. for power infrastructure

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced ex gratia of ₹2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 to the seriously injured, as the death toll in cyclone Fani rose to 35 in Odisha.

According to a statement released by PIB, he promised further assistance after the assessment by an inter-ministerial Central team.

Assuring that a Central team would visit the State soon to assess the extent of damage to infrastructure, housing, fishermen and farms and relief needed to be provided to the State, Mr. Modi directed the State and Central government officers of power, telecom and railways to ensure restoration of services at the earliest.

Since district-wise damage could not be compiled due to failure of the communication network, the Odisha government would submit a memorandum in detail after assessment of the damage, it was said at a review meeting with the Prime Minister.

Seeking Central assistance, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik laid emphasis on the power sector. Coastal Odisha needs funds to the tune of ₹10,000 crore for building disaster-resilient power infrastructure, he said.

Housing needs

Similarly, provision of five lakh disaster-resilient affordable houses which would require ₹7,000 crore was sought at the review meeting. The State government demanded special allotment under the Prime Minister Awas Yojna with 90:10 funding ratio.