Argus News - Odisha Govt Announces Ex-Gratia for Hoarding Collapse Victims

Bhubaneswar, Feb 25: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of two persons killed in a tragic hoarding collapse in Bhubaneswar’s Aiginia area.

The victims, identified as Tuna Gouda and Sachidananda Pradhan, lost their lives when a massive advertising hoarding collapsed during a Nor’wester storm on Tuesday evening. The sudden change in weather brought intense winds and heavy rainfall, causing widespread disruption across the city.

According to reports, strong winds uprooted the large hoarding near Aiginia Durga Mandap, which fell on the victims and damaged several nearby shops. Local residents rushed to rescue those trapped under the structure and took them to Capital Hospital, where doctors declared them brought dead.

The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said that financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each will be provided from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF). CM Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and assured the bereaved families of all possible support.

Police and fire services personnel reached the site soon after the collapse, clearing the road that had been blocked by the fallen hoarding. The incident sparked outrage among locals, who staged a protest on Wednesday by blocking the National Highway-16  at Aiginia.

Family members and relatives of the deceased demanded justice and accountability, disrupting traffic movement along the busy route. Commuters faced significant inconvenience until senior police officials and local administration representatives intervened.

Also Read: Bhubaneswar Supermarket Blaze: Firefighters Struggle to Control Mall Fire After 18 Hours

Authorities held discussions with the aggrieved families, assuring them of necessary assistance and administrative support. Following these assurances, the protest was withdrawn, and normal traffic movement was restored.

The tragedy has raised concerns over the safety of large advertising structures in urban areas, especially during extreme weather conditions. Civic authorities are expected to review safety measures and enforcement of regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.