Argus News - 416 Died In Fire Accidents Across Odisha Over Three Years, Minister Tells Assembly

Bhubaneswar, Mar 19: A total of 416 people died in fire accidents across Odisha over the last three financial years, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari informed the Assembly on Thursday.

In a written reply to a question by BJD legislator Arun Kumar Sahoo, the minister said property worth Rs 27.84 crore and 2,537 houses were damaged during 2022–23, 2023–24 and 2024–25.

Year-Wise Fatalities Reported
Pujari said 192 people died in fire accidents in 2022–23. The number of deaths stood at 118 in 2023–24 and 106 in 2024–25.

Also Read: 6,578 Died Due To Lightning, Drowning, Snakebites In Odisha Over Two Years: Minister

Compensation for Victims Under SDRF
“In case of death due to fire-related accidents, an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh is being provided to the next of kin of the deceased in accordance with the norms of the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF),” the minister said.

He added that financial assistance of Rs 16,000 is provided to injured victims who remain hospitalised for more than a week, while Rs 5,400 is given to those undergoing treatment for less than a week.

Assistance for Damaged Houses
In cases of complete house damage due to fire, financial assistance of Rs 1.30 lakh is provided in hilly areas and Rs 1.20 lakh in plain areas.

Additionally, Rs 6,500 is given for damage to pucca houses and Rs 4,000 for kutcha houses, Pujari said.