Odisha seeks Rs 16,235 crore from Centre for disaster-proof infra
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BHUBANESWAR: The state government has moved the Centre seeking a financial package of Rs 16,235 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund to develop disaster-resilient infrastructures in power and housing sectors and strengthen the coastal embankments.
It made the demand in view of the massive devastations caused by very severe cyclonic storms almost every year, said official sources.
The state’s geographical position with 480 km of coastline has made it vulnerable to natural disasters. Severe cyclones like Phailin (2013), HudHud (2014), Titli (2018) and Fani (2019) have caused widespread damage in different parts of the state.
“After every cyclone, we spend huge amounts of money in restoration work. Since the cyclonic storms cause massive damage to power transmission infrastructure and kutcha houses, we intend to develop resilient infrastructure in coastal districts. Though we had estimated the cost to be around Rs 20,000 crore, we have submitted a memorandum of Rs 16,235 crore,” said a senior government official.
While Rs 11,114 crore has been sought to strengthen power distribution transmission networks in coastal areas, Rs 4,152 crore has been sought for housing sector. Similarly, Rs 767 crore has been sought to strengthen coastal embankments while another Rs 202 crore has been estimated restoration work after cyclone Amphan.
Recently, the state government discussed the issue with a central team. Chief minister Naveen Patnaik also has raised the issue before Prime Minister Narendra Modi, when Modi recently visited Odisha after cyclone Amphan, said official sources. “By aiming to develop disaster-resilient power transmission networks, the state government is planning underground cabling (wherever possible), erecting better quality electricity poles and towers, strengthening sub-stations and steps like establishment of smart grid.