Relief Package / CM Majhi announces special relief package for Cyclone Arnab victims

Bhubaneswar, Nov 1: Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday announced a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation package for people affected by Cyclone Arnab and the subsequent floods in Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts.

The package includes immediate cash assistance, food support, agricultural compensation, housing aid, livestock relief and financial assistance for small traders and business establishments.

The Chief Minister said the cyclone and floods had caused extensive damage across the three districts, affecting thousands of families, damaging houses and destroying vast stretches of agricultural land. While a detailed assessment of losses is still underway, he assured that additional support would be considered based on the final damage report.

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He added that relief and restoration efforts remain the government's top priority, with officials and support teams working round the clock in affected areas. The Chief Minister also cautioned about the possibility of rainfall under the influence of Cyclone Murasu and said the administration has taken necessary precautions.

Immediate Relief for Affected Families

As part of the relief package, every affected family will receive 50 kg of rice and Rs 2,500 in cash assistance.

Families whose houses were submerged for more than two days will also receive additional financial assistance for clothing, utensils and household essentials.

Major Support for Farmers

Farmers who suffered crop losses exceeding 33 per cent will be eligible for agricultural input assistance for up to two hectares. The government has announced:

• Rs 8,500 per hectare for rain-fed agricultural land
• Rs 17,000 per hectare for assured irrigated land
• Rs 22,500 per hectare for perennial and vegetable crops
• Rs 18,000 per hectare for removing sand and silt deposits from farmland

To support the upcoming cultivation season, the government will distribute:

• 1.20 lakh pulse minikits
• 5,000 oilseed minikits
• 50,000 vegetable seed kits

Additionally, farmers will receive a 75 per cent subsidy on pesticides and bio-pesticides during the 2026-27 rabi season. The government will also expedite crop insurance settlements and convert eligible short-term crop loans into medium-term loans.

Housing Assistance for Damaged Homes

Families whose houses have been completely damaged will receive:

• Rs 1.2 lakh in plain areas
• Rs 1.3 lakh in hilly regions

Separate assistance has also been announced for partially damaged pucca houses, kutcha houses, huts and cowsheds.

Relief for Livestock Owners

Compensation has been announced for livestock losses, including cattle, buffaloes, bullocks, goats, sheep, calves and poultry.

Cattle and buffalo owners will receive up to Rs 37,500, while poultry farmers will be eligible for compensation of Rs 100 per bird, subject to prescribed limits.

Support for Traders and Small Businesses

Roadside vendors and temporary stall owners affected by the cyclone will receive Rs 10,000 in assistance. Commercial establishments will be eligible for:

• One-time assistance of Rs 25,000
• Bank loans up to Rs 12 lakh
• Capital subsidy of 25 per cent, capped at Rs 3 lakh.